Pharmacognostical and Physicochemical Analysis of Cleome viscosa L. Seeds

Aim: The seeds of Cleome viscosa L. are used to treat tumor, emesis, diarrhea, epilepsy and hyperthermia. Seeds are used to heal wound also. In order to ensure the use of only genuine and uniform material in treatment of ailments by herbs and herbal formulations, pharmacognostical standardization and physiochemical parameters evaluation is needed. Methods: Morphological and powder microscopic characters of seed powder were studied. The physiochemical parameters studied were LOD, total ash, acid insoluble, water soluble, sulphated ash, extractives, volatile oil content and crude fibre content etc. Further, florescence analysis and element analysis of seed powder was performed by undergoing chemical reaction +UV method and EDAX method respectively. Results: Brown colored seeds with rough seed surface with seed size 0.1 cm were recorded. The pods were brown coloured when air dried. They were 4-5 cm long containing 8-12 small seeds. Powder microscopic study revealed the presence of fragment of epidermis of testa, groups of cells resembling like stone cells and irregularly shaped protein bodies were observed. Florescence Analysis revealed the presence of chromophores. EDAX analysis showed the presence of Mg, Al, Si, S, Cl, K, Ca and Cu etc in different amount. Conclusion: Pharmacognostical and physiochemical parameters were established which would facilitate quick identification and selection of the herbal drugs from various adulterants.