Pharmacognostical Standardization of Tephrosia purpurea Pers Root
Journal name: Ancient Science of Life
Original article title: Pharmacognostical Standardization of Tephrosia purpurea Pers Root
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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S. Sandhya, Ramana K. Ventaka, K.R Vinod
Ancient Science of Life:
(A quarterly multi-disciplinary scientific research journal in Ayurveda)
Full text available for: Pharmacognostical Standardization of Tephrosia purpurea Pers Root
Year: 2010
Copyright (license): CC BY-NC-SA
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Summary of article contents:
Introduction
Tephrosia purpurea, commonly referred to as Wild Indigo or Purple Tephrosia, is a flowering plant belonging to the Fabaceae family, widely distributed across the Indian subcontinent. Known for its medicinal properties, the roots of this plant are employed in treating a variety of ailments, including inflammation, diabetes, rheumatism, asthma, and diarrhea. Despite its extensive use in traditional medicine, pharmacognostic standardization of T. purpurea has been lacking. The present study aims to provide comprehensive pharmacognostical information focused on the root of the plant, enhancing its identification and validating its qualities for therapeutic use.
Pharmacognostical Standardization of Tephrosia purpurea
One crucial aspect highlighted in the study is the anatomical characterization of the root through various methodologies, including thin sectioning, powder microscopy, and fluorescence analysis. The transverse section analyses revealed key tissue structures, particularly the secondary xylem, which consisted of xylem fibres and vessel elements. Different types of vessel elements were identified, including narrow and long, as well as broad and short vessels. The root powder demonstrated distinct fluorescent properties under UV light, providing a useful tool for detecting quality and adulteration of the plant material. In addition, physicochemical assessments such as ash and extractive values were measured, adding further depth to the pharmacognostical profile of T. purpurea. These parameters will serve as essential reference points for quality control and identification in both research and clinical settings.
Conclusion
The findings of this study contribute significantly to the pharmacognostical standardization of Tephrosia purpurea, establishing a baseline for its identification and quality assurance. The detailed anatomical and physicochemical characters obtained from the root can aid in the differentiation of the plant from its adulterants or similar species. As the medicinal utilization of herbal plants becomes increasingly prominent, such comprehensive studies are vital for ensuring safety, efficacy, and the overall integrity of herbal medicines. The results indicate that proper pharmacognostical standardization is crucial for the therapeutic application of T. purpurea and may pave the way for future research into its pharmacological potential.
FAQ section (important questions/answers):
What are the therapeutic uses of Tephrosia purpurea root?
Tephrosia purpurea root is traditionally used to treat inflammation, diabetes, rheumatism, asthma, diarrhea, urinary complaints, and cough. The whole plant is employed for ulcers, fever, and liver disorders.
What is the significance of pharmacognostical standardization for Tephrosia purpurea?
Pharmacognostical standardization helps identify and authenticate Tephrosia purpurea. It provides a reference for quality assurance in herbal medicines, ensuring the effective use of the plant for medicinal purposes.
What anatomical features were observed in the transverse section of the root?
The transverse section revealed distinct rhizodermis, secondary xylem with fibers, and various vessel elements. Key features include narrow and broad vessels, thick-walled fibers, and unique xylem parenchyma cells.
What methodologies were used in the study of Tephrosia purpurea?
The study utilized thin transverse sections, powder microscopy, fluorescence analysis, and measurement of cell dimensions. Various solvents were used for chemical extraction, and physico-chemical parameters were assessed for standardization.
Glossary definitions and references:
Scientific and Ayurvedic Glossary list for “Pharmacognostical Standardization of Tephrosia purpurea Pers Root�. 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) Science (Scientific):
Science refers to the systematic study of the structure and behavior of the physical and natural world through observation and experimentation. In the context of pharmacognosy and medicinal plants, science aids in understanding plant properties, identification, and health benefits, thus supporting the development of herbal medicines and therapeutic practices.
2) Pharmacognostical:
Pharmacognostical pertains to the study of drugs derived from natural sources, primarily plants. This field intersects traditional medicine and modern drug development. In the text, pharmacognostical standardization plays a crucial role in ensuring the correct identification, quality, and efficacy of herbal products, like Tephrosia purpurea, used in treatments.
3) Flavonoid:
Flavonoids are a class of plant secondary metabolites known for their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. They are significant in pharmacology for their therapeutic effects. Specifically, the text highlights their presence in Tephrosia purpurea, linking them to the plant's medicinal applications and their potential effects on human health.
4) Drug:
A drug is a substance used for medical treatment, which can alter physiological functions in the body. In pharmacognosy, natural drugs derived from plants are of particular interest, as they can provide safer alternatives to synthetic drugs. The study described aims to standardize the drug derived from Tephrosia purpurea.
5) Quality:
Quality refers to the standard of something as measured against other things of a similar kind, or the degree of excellence. In the context of herbal medicines, quality assessment is vital for ensuring safety and efficacy. The text emphasizes pharmacognostical standardization to establish quality parameters for Tephrosia purpurea.
6) Inflammation:
Inflammation is the body's response to injury or infection, causing redness, swelling, and pain. Many medicinal plants, including Tephrosia purpurea, are used for their anti-inflammatory properties, offering natural remedies for conditions associated with inflammation. The study highlights the plant's traditional use for ailments related to this condition.
7) Knowledge:
Knowledge refers to the understanding or awareness gained through experience or education. In pharmacognosy, knowledge of plant properties is essential for effective drug development and therapeutic practices. It ensures that practitioners can identify, use, and prescribe natural substances appropriately while considering their safety and efficacy.
8) Activity:
Activity in a pharmacological context refers to the effects that a substance has on biological systems. The text discusses the biological activity of compounds in Tephrosia purpurea, particularly those that can induce enzymes beneficial for health. Understanding these activities is crucial in drug discovery and development.
9) Water:
Water is a critical solvent in pharmacognosy, used for extracting compounds from plant materials. Many analytical techniques and assays rely on water as a solvent, impacting the extraction efficiency of phytochemicals. In the study, the water-soluble extractive values provide insights into the medicinal properties of Tephrosia purpurea.
10) Fish:
Fish refers to aquatic organisms that are crucial in many ecological and physiological studies. In the text, fish are highlighted regarding the toxicity of certain compounds found in Tephrosia purpurea, demonstrating the need to evaluate bioactive compounds for their differential impacts on various species, including humans and wildlife.
11) Shand (Sand):
Sand is a granular material, often composed of finely divided rock and mineral particles. Within the context of pharmacognostical studies, sand can represent potential impurities in herbal preparations. Assessing sand content in herbal drugs helps establish quality standards and ensures the purity of medicinal plant extracts like Tephrosia purpurea.
12) Soil:
Soil is the top layer of earth where plants grow, providing essential nutrients and habitat. In pharmacognosy, soil composition can affect the chemical makeup of medicinal plants. Understanding the soil environment is important for cultivating high-quality plants and ensuring they possess the desired pharmacological properties and therapeutic efficacy.
13) Fish poison (Fish venom):
Fish poison refers to toxins that can be harmful or lethal to aquatic life. Tephrosia purpurea contains compounds known for fish poisoning, indicating a dual-use nature where the same plant can serve both as a therapeutic agent for humans and a source of toxins for fish, complicating its use in some contexts.
14) Phytochemical:
Phytochemicals are bioactive compounds produced by plants, often contributing to their medicinal properties. The study's focus on the phytochemicals found in Tephrosia purpurea illustrates their importance in pharmacognosy as they facilitate the identification of beneficial compounds that can be harnessed for therapeutic applications or health benefits.
15) Discussion:
Discussion refers to the sections in scientific studies where results are analyzed and interpreted. In the context of this study, the discussion would cover the implications of the pharmacognostical findings on Tephrosia purpurea and how these support its traditional uses while evaluating the research's contribution to herbal medicine knowledge.
16) Vishapaha (Visapaha, Visha-apaha):
Vishapaha is a Sanskrit term meaning 'that which can dispel poison' and relates to Tephrosia purpurea's cultural significance in traditional medicine. Its name underscores the plant's importance in treating various ailments, reflecting the historical use of herbal remedies in Ayurvedic practices to counteract toxicity in the body.
17) Nagarjuna:
Nagarjuna could refer to the ancient Indian philosopher known for his contributions to Buddhist philosophy, but in this text context, it refers to Acharya Nagarjuna University. The university's support highlights the academic and research efforts in standardizing medicinal plants, illustrating collaboration in advancing pharmacognostical science.
18) Substance:
Substance typically refers to a particular kind of matter with specific properties. In pharmacognosy, substances can refer to the bioactive compounds derived from plants used in various therapeutic applications. The study emphasizes the analysis of substances in Tephrosia purpurea for their medicinal attributes and quality assurance in herbal formulations.
19) Medicine:
Medicine refers to substances used to diagnose, treat, and prevent illnesses. The study of Tephrosia purpurea reveals its traditional medicinal uses, showcasing its role in healthcare systems. By standardizing and understanding this medicinal plant, it contributes to the broader field of alternative and complementary medicine practices.
20) Vomiting:
Vomiting is the forceful expulsion of stomach contents through the mouth, a symptom of various conditions. Tephrosia purpurea is noted for its use in treating vomiting, reflecting its applications in traditional remedies. Understanding which plants can alleviate such conditions informs both practice and research in herbal medicine.
21) Sandhya (Shandhya, Samdhya):
Sandhya likely refers to a personal name, possibly indicating one of the authors or contributors to the research. Personal names in academic work highlight human input and collaboration in scientific studies, emphasizing the contributions that individual researchers make toward advancing knowledge in areas like pharmacognosy and medicinal plants.
22) Emerald:
Emerald typically refers to a green gemstone, but in a botanical context, it may describe color characteristics in phytochemical analysis. In the fluorescence analysis of Tephrosia purpurea, the noted shades may help in identifying and standardizing medicinal parts, which can be crucial in quality control of herbal medicines.
23) Rajani:
Rajani is likely a personal name, possibly referring to one of the authors or researchers involved in the study. The inclusion of names in research documents underscores the collaboration necessary for scientific inquiry, recognizing individual contributions to understanding the pharmacognostical properties of plants like Tephrosia purpurea.
24) Tulasi:
Tulasi or Holy Basil is known for its medicinal properties and often used in Ayurvedic medicine. Its mention may signify connections to traditional herbal practices or could refer to an individual in the context of the study. This highlights cultural appreciation and the integration of traditional knowledge in academic research.
25) Kumari:
Kumari, meaning 'young girl' or 'virgin' in Sanskrit, could refer to an individual's name. Names of researchers are important for crediting contributions in scientific studies, indicating the collaborative nature of pharmacognosy research involving various experts working together to advance the understanding of medicinal plants like Tephrosia purpurea.
26) Indigo:
Indigo is a natural dye derived from certain plants, historically significant in various cultures. In pharmacognosy, indigo plants might be studied for their potential medicinal properties. The context in the text may allude to other plant connections, as Tephrosia purpurea is recognized for its traditional uses while contributing to a broader understanding of plant medicines.
27) Ranga (Ramga):
Ranga, often a personal name, might represent one of the researchers or contributors to the study. As with other names mentioned, it emphasizes the collaboration and diverse expertise involved in plant pharmacognosy, supporting the comprehensive analysis and standardization of medicinal plants like Tephrosia purpurea.
28) Gupta:
Gupta is a common surname in India, often denoting an individual involved in the study. Recognizing contributors by name emphasizes the teamwork and collective effort necessary for advancing pharmacological research, ensuring that various perspectives and skills enhance the understanding of medicinal plants.
29) Sharman (Sarma, Sharma, Sarman):
Sarma, another common name likely referring to a contributor, illustrates the importance of individual researchers in a collaborative effort. In the context of pharmacognosy, recognizing these names underscores the community aspect of scientific studies, fostering progression in understanding plant properties and therapeutic uses.
30) Ulcer:
An ulcer is a sore that develops on the lining of the stomach, small intestine, or other parts of the body. The text mentions Tephrosia purpurea's use in treating ulcers, indicating the plant's significance in traditional medicine. This highlights the importance of understanding herbal remedies for common health issues in natural healthcare approaches.
31) Straw:
Straw usually refers to dried stalks of cereal plants after the grains are removed. In a botanical context, it might be used metaphorically or in relation to certain methods in pharmacognosy. If used in analysis, it might indicate particular observations regarding plant structure or chemical extraction results in the study.
32) Usa (Usha):
Usha is often a personal name, perhaps signifying one of the researchers or contributors to the study. In academic writing, including names is crucial for recognizing the people behind the research. It serves to highlight the collaborative work that contributes to the knowledge base in pharmacognosy and plant studies.
33) Nava (Navan):
Nava could be a personal name but also means 'new' in some languages. If related to the study of Tephrosia purpurea, it might imply a focus on novel discoveries or insights regarding the herbal properties of the plant. The inclusion of individuals suggests the collaborative effort essential for scientific progress.
Other Science Concepts:
Discover the significance of concepts within the article: �Pharmacognostical Standardization of Tephrosia purpurea Pers Root�. Further sources in the context of Science might help you critically compare this page with similair documents:
Tephrosia purpurea, Standard method, Anatomical features, Ash value, Physico-chemical parameters, Herbarium specimen, Anatomical structure, Powder microscopy, Pharmacognostical standardization, Fluorescence Analysis, Transverse section, Cell structure.