Pharmacognostic Profiles of Azadirachta indica A.Juss.Leaves
Journal name: Ancient Science of Life
Original article title: Pharmacognostic Profiles of Azadirachta indica A.Juss.Leaves
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.
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Original source:
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Subhash C. Mandal, Sabita Pal (Dutta), Tapan K. Maity, M. Pal, B.P Saha
Ancient Science of Life:
(A quarterly multi-disciplinary scientific research journal in Ayurveda)
Full text available for: Pharmacognostic Profiles of Azadirachta indica A.Juss.Leaves
Year: 2000
Copyright (license): CC BY-NC-SA
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Summary of article contents:
Introduction
Azadirachta indica A. Juss, commonly known as neem, is a tall evergreen tree native to India and widely distributed in the Indo-Malayan region and tropical Africa. This plant has multiple medicinal properties, with various parts utilized in traditional medicine. The leaves of neem are known for their anthelmintic, insecticidal, and carminative properties, among others, and are used to treat a range of ailments including skin diseases, asthma, and bilious disorders. The present study aimed to establish pharmacognostic parameters for the leaves of A. indica by examining their microscopic and macroscopic characteristics, as well as their behavior under various chemical reagents and ultraviolet light.
Microscopic and Macroscopic Analysis
The study provides detailed insights into the microscopic characteristics of neem leaves, including vein-islet number, palisade ratio, and stomatal index. The measurements revealed meaningful averages, with a vein-islet number ranging from 10 to 16 and a palisade ratio between 3 to 3.5. The macroscopic examination identified the leaves as oblique and lanceolate, measuring 4-5.2 cm in length and 1-1.5 cm in width, exhibiting a serrated margin and an acuminate apex. The physical constant values indicated a total ash content of 12.16% and a high water-soluble extractive value of 16.71%, enhancing the pharmacognostical profile of the leaves. Reactivity with various chemical reagents yielded distinctive color changes and fluorescence characteristics when observed under ultraviolet light, contributing to the understanding of the leaves鈥� chemical composition.
Conclusion
The pharmacognostic study of Azadirachta indica leaves offers valuable data regarding their microscopic and macroscopic properties, as well as their behavioral response to different chemical treatments and UV light exposure. These findings not only substantiate the medicinal relevance of neem but also provide essential parameters for its identification and quality assessment in herbal medicine. Moreover, the research highlights the need for more extensive studies on other parts of the plant to explore its full potential and broaden the scope of its therapeutic applications.
FAQ section (important questions/answers):
What are the medicinal properties of Azadirachta indica leaves?
The leaves of Azadirachta indica have various medicinal properties, such as being anthelmintic, insecticidal, and beneficial for conditions like ophthalmia, biliousness, skin diseases, cough, and asthma.
What techniques were used to analyze Azadirachta indica leaves?
Microscopic and macroscopic evaluations, ash value determination, and chemical reagent reactions were performed. Fluorescence characters were also observed under ultraviolet light after treatment with different chemical reagents.
What are the average measurements of the leaves' microscopic characters?
The vein-islet number averages 14.7, palisade ratio is 3.0, and stomatal index averages 8.0, indicating the leaves' typical microscopic features important for pharmacognostic studies.
What were the physical constants determined for Azadirachta indica leaves?
Physical constants included total ash (12.16%), acid insoluble ash (1.03%), alcohol soluble extractive (11.02%), and water soluble extractive (16.71%), providing essential parameters for quality assessment.
Glossary definitions and references:
Scientific and Ayurvedic Glossary list for 鈥淧harmacognostic Profiles of Azadirachta indica A.Juss.Leaves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) Water:
Water is a crucial solvent used in pharmacognosy, particularly in the extraction and solubility of various plant compounds. In the context of Azadirachta indica, water-soluble extractive values indicate the presence of pharmacologically active compounds. This highlights the importance of water in herbal medicine preparations and efficacy evaluation.
2) Azadirachta indica:
Azadirachta indica, commonly known as neem, is a significant medicinal plant belonging to the Meliaceae family. Its leaves possess various health benefits, including antibacterial and antifungal properties. The pharmacognostic parameters outlined in this study emphasize the leaf's potential therapeutic roles in traditional medicine and modern pharmacology.
3) Bitter:
Bitter is a characteristic taste associated with many medicinal plants, including Azadirachta indica. The bitterness of the leaves contributes to their therapeutic properties by stimulating digestive secretions and acting as a natural remedy for various ailments. Understanding the taste profile is essential in pharmacognosy for recognizing and categorizing herbs.
4) Burning sensation:
The burning sensation is symptomatic of various conditions treatable with traditional medicine. In the study of Azadirachta indica, its use in relieving burning sensations in the heart and other areas signifies the plant's role in managing these discomforts. Such symptoms often prompt herbal remedies in Ayurvedic practices.
5) Pharmacognostical:
Pharmacognostical refers to the branch of pharmacognosy involving the study of the physical and chemical properties of natural products, particularly medicinal plants. This study's pharmacognostical parameters for Azadirachta indica help establish its identity, quality, and efficacy as a therapeutic agent in herbal medicine.
6) Inflammation:
Inflammation is a biological response correlated with various diseases that Azadirachta indica can help alleviate. The leaves possess anti-inflammatory properties, making them useful in treating conditions characterized by inflammation, such as skin ailments and autoimmune disorders. Understanding its anti-inflammatory effects is vital for its therapeutic applications.
7) Pittadosha (Pittado峁, Pitta-dosha):
Pittadosha refers to one of the three doshas in Ayurveda, representing heat and metabolic functions. Azadirachta indica is noted for its ability to relieve conditions associated with pittadosha imbalances, such as inflammation and burning sensations. Recognizing these traditional concepts helps integrate herbal medicine with holistic health practices.
8) Discussion:
Discussion signifies the portion of the study where results regarding the pharmacognostic profiles of Azadirachta indica are interpreted. This section helps contextualize findings, compare them with existing literature, and explore the implications of the study's results for future research and practical applications in medicine.
9) Vomiting:
Vomiting is a symptom associated with various health issues and can be addressed using herbal remedies. Azadirachta indica has properties that can alleviate nausea and vomiting, reflecting the importance of understanding how plant-based treatments can provide relief for common digestive disturbances in traditional medicine.
10) Leprosy:
Leprosy is a chronic infectious disease treatable with various medicinal plants, including Azadirachta indica. The seeds of the neem plant are noted for their potential effectiveness against leprosy, highlighting the significance of studying the plant's properties for developing natural treatments for this and other chronic conditions.
11) Science (Scientific):
Science in this context refers to the systematic study of the medicinal properties of plants, employing methods such as pharmacognosy. The investigation into Azadirachta indica's pharmacological effects underscores the role of scientific inquiry in validating traditional knowledge and enhancing therapeutic efficacy in modern healthcare.
12) Thirst:
Thirst is a common symptom of dehydration or illness. Azadirachta indica's leaves are recognized for their ability to relieve thirst due to their hydrating properties. Understanding the importance of such remedies in traditional medicine provides insight into their application in managing health conditions.
13) Kapha:
Kapha is another dosha in Ayurveda, relating to water and earth elements, often responsible for stability and structure. Azadirachta indica may help balance kapha dosha by alleviating symptoms associated with its excesses, such as sluggishness and congestion, underscoring the role of plants in maintaining doshic balance.
14) Blood:
Blood is a critical component in understanding pharmacological properties and responses of plants like Azadirachta indica. The leaves are noted for their ability to purify blood, making them significant in treating blood-related conditions, thereby illustrating the connection between herbal remedies and systemic health.
15) Saha (S膩ha, Shaha):
Saha refers to one of the authors of the study, contributing to the research on Azadirachta indica. The collaboration among researchers is essential in pharmacognosy for establishing credibility, sharing knowledge, and advancing the understanding of medicinal plants and their applications in health sciences.
Other Science Concepts:
Discover the significance of concepts within the article: 鈥�Pharmacognostic Profiles of Azadirachta indica A.Juss.Leaves鈥�. Further sources in the context of Science might help you critically compare this page with similair documents:
Ayurveda, Azadirachta indica, Microscopic characters, Analytical grade, Shade-dried, Pharmacognostic Profile, Tropical Africa, Indigenous Drug, Chemical reagents, Fluorescence characters, Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, Pharmacognosy division, Macroscopic character.