Pharmacognostic Evaluation and Physiochemical Analysis of the Rhizomes of Arisaema turtuosum Wall

Background : Arisaema tortuosum is probably the most common species of genus Arisaema from our part of the world. From the ancient times this plant is being used in ethano-medico practices and for food purposes. It is used for abscess and antinematodal activity .The decoction of tuber is given to animals for early recovery of fractured bone also used internally to cure piles. The tribals used it as antidote for dog bite, to cure liver complaints and stomachache and in various ailments related to digestive tract like constipation, indigestion, abdominal pain and dysentery. Tuber have good asthetic, antihepatotoxic, anticancerous, antimicrobial and antioxidant properties. In view of its medicinal importance and taxonomic validation, pharmacognostical standardization of rhizome of Arisaema tortuosum has been carried out and being presented under this study. Methods: The study includes macroscopical and microscopical evaluation along with estimation of its physicochemical parameters such as ash and extractive values and preliminary phytochemical screening. Result: In initial phytochemical screening, some important constituents like carbohydrate, glycoside and steroids have been found in its extracts. The microscopy of powder shows acicular crystals, xylem vessels, starch grains. Conclusion:The present study reveals standardization profile of Arisaema tortuosum which would be of immense value in botanical identification and authentication of plant drug and may help in preventing its adulteration.