Pharmacognistic studies on wagatea spicata dalzell
Journal name: Ancient Science of Life
Original article title: Pharmacognistic studies on wagatea spicata dalzell
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. R. Surange, S. S. Deokule
Ancient Science of Life:
(A quarterly multi-disciplinary scientific research journal in Ayurveda)
Full text available for: Pharmacognistic studies on wagatea spicata dalzell
Year: 1987
Copyright (license): CC BY-NC-SA
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Summary of article contents:
Introduction
Wagatea spicata Dalzell, belonging to the family Leguminosae (Caesalpiniaceae), is a monotypic climbing shrub commonly found in the Konkan jungles and Ghats near Mahabaleshwar in Maharashtra, India. Known locally as "Vagati" or "Vakeri," the plant is traditionally used in Indian medicine for treating pneumonia and pulmonary tuberculosis, with its roots being the primary used part. The bark is applied to address skin diseases, while the seeds produce an oil employed for lighting. This study undertakes pharmacognostic research to investigate the plant’s characteristics, checking for possible adulteration in market samples sold in Maharashtra.
Phytochemical and Histochemical Analysis
A significant aspect of the study involves the histochemical and phytochemical tests conducted on both the genuine and market samples of Wagatea spicata, assessing the presence of starch, proteins, tannins, alkaloids, and other compounds. The results indicated no notable differences between the market and genuine samples, suggesting the market samples are indeed true to the species. Specific tests for starch showed a negative result in both samples, while proteins and tannins were present, underlining the plant's potential therapeutic value. Estimations of extractives and ash content further confirmed the quality of both samples analyzed.
Conclusion
The comprehensive pharmacognostic studies on Wagatea spicata Dalzell reveal the plant's considerable importance in traditional medicine and its widespread use among local populations. With the meticulous macro- and microscopic examinations, coupled with histochemical and phytochemical analyses, this study helps ensure the authenticity of the drug sold in markets, highlighting its medicinal utility, particularly in treating respiratory ailments and skin conditions. The findings provide a foundational understanding that can aid in future research and quality control measures for this valuable medicinal plant.
FAQ section (important questions/answers):
What is Wagatea spicata and its common uses in medicine?
Wagatea spicata, known as 'Vagati' or 'Vakeri', is a climbing shrub used in traditional Indian medicine for treating pulmonary tuberculosis and pneumonia. The bark is applied for skin diseases, while the seeds provide oil sometimes used for lighting.
What pharmacognostic studies were conducted on Wagatea spicata?
The pharmacognostic studies included macroscopic and microscopic characterization, histochemical tests, phytochemical analysis, and evaluation of extractives and ash content to confirm the authenticity of the plant material and detect possible adulterations.
What are the main findings related to the bark and root?
The studies showed that both the genuine and market samples had similar macroscopic and microscopic traits, confirming the authenticity of the market samples. Key phytochemical components like tannins and alkaloids were identified in both parts.
How was the quality of the market samples of Wagatea spicata assessed?
Market samples were compared with genuine materials through detailed examination, including macroscopic and microscopic analysis, chemical tests, and fluorescence analysis, confirming that they were authentic and consistent with Wagatea spicata.
Glossary definitions and references:
Scientific and Ayurvedic Glossary list for “Pharmacognistic studies on wagatea spicata dalzell�. 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) Sugar:
Sugar refers to simple carbohydrates that provide energy to the body. In the context of Wagatea spicata Dalzell, understanding sugar content is crucial for evaluating its nutritional value and potential therapeutic properties, as certain sugars may have biological activities relevant to medicinal applications, such as reducing inflammation or supporting overall health.
2) Drug:
A drug is any substance that, when introduced into the body, alters physiological functions. In the study, Wagatea spicata is explored as a traditional drug for treating pneumonia and skin diseases, emphasizing its significance in indigenous medicine and the need to assess its authenticity through pharmacognostic studies for safe usage.
3) Phytochemical:
Phytochemicals are bioactive compounds found in plants, which contribute to their medicinal properties. The paper analyzes phytochemical constituents of Wagatea spicata, revealing valuable insights regarding its therapeutic potential, efficacy, and safety, as well as providing a foundational understanding for further research and application in herbal medicine.
4) Medicine:
Medicine involves the science and practice of diagnosing, treating, and preventing illness. This study highlights the traditional medicinal uses of Wagatea spicata in treating pneumonia and tuberculosis, showcasing the importance of evaluating its pharmacognostic properties to ensure safe and effective incorporation into modern medical practice.
5) Water:
Water is essential for life and serves as a solvent for many biochemical reactions. In the context of phytochemical studies, water extracts are analyzed to determine the presence of key compounds in Wagatea spicata. This can help elucidate its potential therapeutic properties and facilitate extraction methods for medicinal use.
6) Tuberculosis:
Tuberculosis (TB) is a serious infectious disease primarily affecting the lungs. The roots of Wagatea spicata are traditionally used in treating TB, demonstrating its role in traditional medicine. Understanding the pharmacological properties of W. spicata can inform modern therapeutic strategies in combating TB effectively.
7) Flavonoid:
Flavonoids are a group of phytochemicals known for their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. In this study, the detection of flavonoids in Wagatea spicata aids in assessing its health benefits and potential therapeutic applications, reinforcing the relevance of phytochemical analysis for understanding plant-based drugs.
8) Bitter:
Bitter taste is often associated with the presence of certain phytochemicals in plants, indicating potential medicinal properties. The bitter nature of Wagatea spicata's roots may suggest its efficacy in digestive health and other therapeutic uses, highlighting the need for further investigation into its health effects.
9) Botany:
Botany is the scientific study of plants, essential for understanding the classification, characteristics, and uses of plant species. This study is rooted in botany as it investigates Wagatea spicata's morphology, anatomy, and pharmacognostic properties, contributing to the broader field of natural product research and traditional medicine.
10) Hand:
In this context, 'hand' refers to the technique of obtaining free-hand sections of plant materials for microscopic examination. This method is fundamental in botanical research to assess the anatomical features of Wagatea spicata, allowing researchers to compare genuine samples with market products for authenticity verification.
11) Pharmacological:
Pharmacological studies assess the biological effects of drugs on living organisms. Wagatea spicata's pharmacological investigations reveal its antibacterial, antiseptic, and other health-related properties, underlining the importance of understanding these actions in the development of traditional medicines into effective therapeutic agents.
12) Antibiotic (Antibacterial):
Antibacterial refers to substances that inhibit the growth of bacteria. This study highlights the antibacterial properties of Wagatea spicata, validating its traditional uses as a medicinal plant. Investigating these effects is crucial for promoting its potential in treating bacterial infections and developing new antimicrobial agents.
13) Activity:
Activity in this context pertains to the biological effects or actions exhibited by phytochemicals, such as those in Wagatea spicata. Evaluating the phytochemical and pharmacological activity is vital for determining the medicinal efficacy and therapeutic potential of the plant in holistic healthcare practices.
14) Science (Scientific):
Science is a systematic enterprise that builds and organizes knowledge through testable explanations and predictions about the universe. The pharmacognostic studies of Wagatea spicata embody the scientific approach, combining botany, chemistry, and pharmacology to explore traditional knowledge, ensuring the validation and safety of herbal medicines.
Other Science Concepts:
Discover the significance of concepts within the article: �Pharmacognistic studies on wagatea spicata dalzell�. Further sources in the context of Science might help you critically compare this page with similair documents:
Skin disease, Indian system of medicine, Pulmonary tuberculosis, Antibacterial activity, Microscopic characters, Fluorescence Analysis, Pharmacognostic studies, Market sample, Maharashtra State, Alkaloid, Chemical investigation, Phytochemical test, Drug market, Macroscopic character, Percentage extractives.