Microscopic Standardization and Bioactive Profiling of Cissampelos pareira Roots

The present study focuses on the pharmacognostic characterization and phytochemical profiling of Cissampelos pareira roots to establish reliable diagnostic features for identification and standardization. C. pareira, a medicinal plant from the family Menispermaceae, is often erroneously identified as Cyclea peltata due to morphological similarities, highlighting the need for detailed microscopic evaluation. Macroscopic and microscopic analyses revealed distinctive features such as a multilayered cork, lignified stone cells, medullary rays, vascular strands, starch grains, and calcium oxalate crystals. Histochemical tests confirmed the presence of alkaloids, phenolics, mucilage, lignin, starch, and oils in specific tissues. Preliminary phytochemical screening of ethanolic root extracts indicated the presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, glycosides, steroids, sterols, tannins, terpenoids, essential oils, and amino acids, while saponins and anthraquinones were absent. Physicochemical parameters such as total ash (6.5% w/w) and water-soluble extractive (16.8% w/w) supported quality evaluation. These findings validate the ethnomedicinal uses of C. pareira in treating inflammatory, febrile, and reproductive disorders and provide essential pharmacognostic markers for authentication and prevention of adulteration. The study further underscores the plant’s phytochemical richness, warranting advanced analytical and pharmacological investigations to substantiate its therapeutic potential.