Pharmacognostic study of Minnikizhangu (Dolichos trilobus L.).
Journal name: Ancient Science of Life
Original article title: Pharmacognostical studies on the root tubers of minnikizhangu, dolichos trilobus l. (d.falcatus klein) 鈥� (fabaceae)
The ANSCI is a peer-reviewed, open-access journal focused on Ayurveda and traditional medicines. It publishes original research, reviews, and literary studies linking traditional knowledge with modern science, covering disciplines like botany, ethnomedicine, pharmacology, and clinical research.
This page presents a generated summary with additional references; See source (below) for actual content.
Original source:
This page is merely a summary which is automatically generated hence you should visit the source to read the original article which includes the author, publication date, notes and references.
T. R. Shantha, J. K. P. Shetty, R. Sudha
Ancient Science of Life:
(A quarterly multi-disciplinary scientific research journal in Ayurveda)
Full text available for: Pharmacognostical studies on the root tubers of minnikizhangu, dolichos trilobus l. (d.falcatus klein) 鈥� (fabaceae)
Year: 1991
Copyright (license): CC BY-NC-SA
Download the PDF file of the original publication
Summary of article contents:
Introduction
The pharmacognosy of the root tubers of Dolichos trilobus L., known locally as Minnikizhangu, is explored in this study. These tubers are traditionally used by the Seenthikodivalaiyer tribe in the Kodikkarai forests of Tamil Nadu for treating skin conditions such as scabies and urticaria. The study aims to provide a detailed pharmacognostic characterization of this lesser-known medicinal plant, which has not been previously examined in depth.
Chemical Composition and Microscopic Features
One critical concept highlighted in the study is the chemical composition and morphological characteristics of the root tubers. The macroscopic description notes that the tubers are slender, golden-yellow, and exhibit a wrinkled surface, measuring 20 to 45 cm in length. Microscopic analysis reveals a complex structure, including various layers such as an outer cork, secondary cortex rich in starch grains, phloem cells, and xylem. Specific diagnostic features include finely warted roots and alternating xylem with sclerenchymatous fibers. Chemical testing showed the presence of starch, lignin, and other compounds, while chromatographic studies identified notable Rf values, indicating the potential for diverse bioactive compounds beneficial for medicinal applications.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the study provides foundational pharmacognostical data on the root tubers of Dolichos trilobus L. and emphasizes their traditional use in indigenous medicine. By documenting the morphological, microscopic, and chemical characteristics of Minnikizhangu, this research opens the path for further exploration into its therapeutic properties and applications. The insights gained from this study can facilitate future investigations into the pharmacological potential of this plant, supporting the preservation of traditional medicinal practices in the region.
FAQ section (important questions/answers):
What are the medicinal uses of Minnikizhangu root tubers?
Minnikizhangu, or Dolichos trilobus L., is used by tribals for skin diseases such as scabies, eruptions, and urticaria. The roots are boiled for early-stage treatment and consumed fresh in advanced stages.
What are the morphological characteristics of the root tubers?
The root tubers are slender and can measure 20 to 45 cm long, with a golden-yellow, finely warted surface. They are often starchy white inside, exhibit a bitter taste, and lack any aroma.
What are the results of the histochemical tests conducted on the root?
The histochemical tests indicated the presence of lignin, starch, and oil globules. Color changes observed included pink for lignin and blue for starch in respective sections of the root tubers.
What were the findings of the chromatographic and organic constituent studies?
Chromatographic studies revealed R.F. values for various solvents, while organic constituent analysis discovered steroids, sugars, and saponins, with traces of tannins but no detectable alkaloids or glycosides.
Glossary definitions and references:
Scientific and Ayurvedic Glossary list for 鈥淧harmacognostic study of Minnikizhangu (Dolichos trilobus L.).鈥�. This list explains important keywords that occur in this article and links it to the glossary for a better understanding of that concept in the context of Ayurveda and other topics.
1) Bitter:
Bitter refers to the taste of the root tubers of Dolichos trilobus L. This characteristic is significant in pharmacognosy as it often indicates the presence of bioactive compounds that contribute to medicinal properties. Bitter taste in herbal drugs is commonly associated with digestive stimulation and potential therapeutic effects, particularly in skin diseases as prescribed by tribal practices.
2) Aroma (A-roma):
Aroma denotes the scent associated with the root tubers, described as lacking in this study. The absence of aroma suggests that the tubers may have fewer volatile compounds, which are typically responsible for distinct scents. This can influence the acceptability of the drug for therapeutic use, as aromas can have psychological effects on users.
3) Drug:
In this context, 'drug' refers to the medicinal properties derived from the root tubers of Dolichos trilobus L, also known as Minnikizhangu. It plays a crucial role in traditional practices for treating skin ailments, highlighting the importance of understanding its pharmacognostical aspects to assess efficacy, safety, and potential applications in modern herbal medicine.
4) Pharmacognostical:
Pharmacognostical pertains to the study of medicinal drugs obtained from natural sources, focusing on their physical, chemical, biochemical, and biological properties. The research on Dolichos trilobus L. emphasizes the need for pharmacognostical studies to evaluate its therapeutic potential, standardize usage, and understand its role in traditional and alternative medicine.
5) Science (Scientific):
Science represents the systematic study of structure, properties, and processes of substances. In this article, it encompasses the methodological research on Dolichos trilobus L, using various scientific techniques to investigate the plant's pharmacological properties and its potential applications in health care, highlighting the importance of empirical evidence in herbal medicine.
6) Siddha (Siddh膩):
Siddha is an ancient system of medicine practiced primarily in Tamil Nadu, India, emphasizing natural healing practices. The mention of Siddha in relation to Dolichos trilobus L links traditional knowledge with contemporary pharmacognostical studies, aiming to validate and preserve indigenous practices through scientific research to benefit public health.
7) Water:
Water in this study refers to one of the solubility tests conducted on the powdered root tubers. The solubility of active compounds in water, measured at 4.01%, contributes to understanding how these compounds can be extracted and utilized in herbal formulations, influencing preparation methods and therapeutic applications.
8) Sudha (Sudh膩):
Sudha is one of the authors involved in the research. Her contributions, along with those of her colleagues, are integral in documenting the pharmacognostic properties of Dolichos trilobus L. This collaboration highlights the importance of collective expertise in advancing knowledge in natural products and their medicinal values.
9) Sugar:
Sugar indicates the presence of organic constituents found in the root tubers, specifically referencing the results from the pharmacognostical analysis. Sugars can play a role in the overall metabolic pathways of the plant and may contribute to its therapeutic properties, influencing how it interacts with biological systems.
10) Straw:
Straw refers to the color observed in the powdered drug during fluorescence studies. This color observation, particularly under specific light conditions, can provide insights into the chemical composition and potential quality of the herbal material, aiding in its identification and standardization in pharmacognosy.
11) Hand:
Hand in this context signifies the technique used for preparing free-hand sections of plant material for microscopic examination. This manual method is essential for ensuring accurate morphological characterization and is a critical step in understanding the structural attributes and pharmacological significance of Dolichos trilobus L.
Other Science Concepts:
Discover the significance of concepts within the article: 鈥�Pharmacognostic study of Minnikizhangu (Dolichos trilobus L.).鈥�. Further sources in the context of Science might help you critically compare this page with similair documents:
Skin disease, Mode of administration, Vascular tissue, Pharmacognostical Studies, Diagnostic character, Chromatographic studies, Root tuber, Physical constant, Plant microtechnique, Sclerenchymatous cells.