@article {925, title = {Macroscopic and Microscopic Studies of Polyscias guilfoylei L. H. Bailey Leaves (Araliaceae)}, journal = {Pharmacognosy Journal}, volume = {11}, year = {2019}, month = {July 2019}, pages = {824-827}, type = {Original Article}, chapter = {824}, abstract = {

Introduction: The leaves of Polyscias guilfoylei L. (Araliaceae) were reported to have medicinal value. Therefore, authentication of the leaves of Polyscias guilfoylei L. is important to ensure the reproducible quality of herbal raw materials. Objective: This study aims to evaluate macroscopic and microscopic parameters of the leaves of Polyscias guilfoylei L. Methods: Organoleptic, macroscopy, and microscopy of fresh leaves and microscopy parameters of leaves powder were observed. Results: Organoleptic and macroscopic studies found that the leaves had a smooth surface with green color, pinnate venation, elonged to lanceolate shape, cuspidate apex, serrated margin, broad base steam, a bit of distinctive smell, and characteristic taste. The leaves microscopy indicated the presence of anisocytic and paracytic stomata, druses type of calcium oxalate crystals, spiral type xylem, and essential oil were found. Conclusion: The results obtained can be used as quality control parameters, especially diagnostic features for the herbal raw material of Polyscias guilfoylei L.

}, keywords = {Araliaceae, Morphological studies, Plant anatomy, Polyscias guilfoylei, Puding leaves}, doi = {10.5530/pj.2019.11.132}, author = {Siti Marwah Lestari and Berna Elya and Sutriyo} } @article {329, title = {Microscopic Characterization of Croton cordiifolius Baill. (Euphorbiaceae)}, journal = {Pharmacognosy Journal}, volume = {9}, year = {2017}, month = {April 2017 }, pages = {361-366}, type = {Original Article}, chapter = {361}, abstract = {

Background: Croton cordiifolius Baill. is popularly known as \“quebra-faca\” in the Brazilian Northeast and is used to treat general inflammation, pain, and gastrointestinal disturbances. Objective: This paper aims to study the anatomical characteristics of C. cordiifolius. Materials and Methods: Cross-sections and paradermic sections of root, stem, petiole and leaf blade were obtained by hand and submitted to double staining with astra blue and safranin process for the anatomical study. Maceration was performed according to the method of Jeffrey. Results: The secondary root has peridermis, parenchymatic cortex, collateral vascular system surrounded by sclerenchyma. The secondary stem has peridermis, cortical region with lignified cells, isolated groups of fibers, laticifers, prismatic crystals, druses and starch. The vascular system of the stem is bicollateral. The petiole and the leaf blade have stellate, simple and glandular trichomes. The leaf blade is hypostomatic, with paracytic stomata. The mesophyll is isobilateral and the midrib shows a concave-convex contour. Laticifers occur in stem, petiole and leaf blade. Prismatic crystals and druses are found in all organs analysed. Through the maceration it was possible to identify the type of vessel elements. Conclusion: The anatomical features are useful for differentiation of other species of Croton and provide support to their quality control.

}, keywords = {Croton cordiifolius, Euphorbiaceae, Pharmacobotany, Plant anatomy, Quebra-faca}, doi = {10.5530/pj.2017.3.61}, url = {/files/PJ-9-3/10.5530pj.2017.3.61}, author = {Iasmine Andreza Basilio dos Santos Alves and Rafaela Damasceno S{\'a} and Mar{\'\i}lia Barbosa Cadena and Rafael Matos Ximenes and Karina Perrelli Randau} } @article {1540, title = {Ethnobotanical survey and phyto-anatomical studies of some common plants used for the treatment of epilepsy in some rural areas of South west Nigeria}, journal = {Pharmacognosy Journal}, volume = {6}, year = {2014}, month = {18th Feb,2014}, pages = {96-102}, type = {Original Article}, chapter = {96}, abstract = {

Aim: To survey some areas in the southwest Nigeria where epilepsy is treated with plant extracts and determine the commonest plant species that are used, for pharmacognostic analysis. Materials and Methods: Open-ended and semi-structured interviews were conducted for information from traditional medicine practitioners. Plant names given were authenticated in the herbarium and phytochemical and anatomical analyses were conducted on the plant parts that are used for treatment using standard approaches. Results: Fifty practitioners were interviewed and they gave 17 different plants; out of these, the 5 commonest ones were investigated. The plants are either used individually or in combination with other plant(s). Services may be rendered freely or by collecting a token which is supernaturally believed to have negative consequences. The practitioners engaged in out-patient and in-patient services and patients are usually totally cured. There are also some inexplicable practices such as oracle visitation, incantations etc. A total of 30 patients have been cured in the last decade by each practitioner. Saponin, steroids, tannins, flavonoids, phlobatannins and alkaloids were isolated using three different media (methanol, petroleum ether and water) and diagnostic anatomical characters of the leaf epidermis, fruit wall, bark and root of the plants are presented in a single account for the first time in the country. The plants studied were Newbouldia laevis, Securidaca longipedunculata, Tetrapleura tetraptera, Nicotiana tabacum and Senna occidentalis. Conclusion: The phytochemicals found are suggestive of the underlying medicinal potency of the plants and future work will help to establish the most active principles which will lead to development of drugs for treating the disease. The diagnostic anatomical characters can be employed in resolving doubts especially when the plant materials are in fragments. The least mentioned plant species can be saved from harvesting to conserve the rich flora diversity in the country.

Key words: Epilepsy, phytochemistry, plant anatomy, south-west Nigeria, tropical forest.

}, keywords = {Epilepsy, Phytochemistry, Plant anatomy, south-west Nigeria, tropical forestv}, author = {A. Babalola Kadiri, and O. Mawoussi Agboola, and F. Olatunde. Fashina.} }