Preliminary Phytochemical Screening, Pharmacognostic and Physicochemical Evaluation of Leaf of Argyreia Pilosa Wight & Arn

Objective: To analyze the pharmacognostic characteristics and physicochemical parameters of the leaves of Argyreia pilosa Wight & Arn (A. pilosa Wight & Arn). Methods: Microscopic characters and powder analysis had been carried out with the help of a microscope. The physiochemical properties such as loss on drying, total ash value, acid insoluble ash value, water soluble ash value, extractive values and fluorescence of A. pilosa had been performed. Results: Macroscopically, the leaves are simple, ovate in shape, acute apex with an entire margin, petioles (1-3 cm) long. Microscopically, the leaf showed the presence of epidermal cells with uniseriate multicellular covering trichomes and anomocytic stomata, followed by 3-5 layered collenchymatous cells and 10-15 numbered Conjoint, collateral closed vascular bundles are some of the diagnostic characteristics observed from the anatomical study. Powder microscopy of leaf revealed the presence of uniseriate multicellular covering trichomes, lignified xylem vessels, and epidermis with anomocytic stomata. The investigations also included leaf surface data i.e., quantitative leaf microscopy and fluorescence analysis. Physiochemical parameters such as loss of drying, extractive values, and ash values were also determined. Preliminary phytochemical screening showed the presence of flavonoids, alkaloids, tannins, steroids, carbohydrates, glycosides, amino acids and proteins. Conclusion: The morphological, microscopical and physicochemical parameter results provided in this paper may be utilized as a basis for the preparation of a monograph on A. pilosa leaves.