Pharmacognostic and phytochemical studies on Curcuma amada rhizome.
Journal name: Ancient Science of Life
Original article title: Pharmacognostical and phytochemical studies on curcuma amada (linn.) rhizome (zingiberaceae)
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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M. Chitra, J.E. Thoppil
Ancient Science of Life:
(A quarterly multi-disciplinary scientific research journal in Ayurveda)
Full text available for: Pharmacognostical and phytochemical studies on curcuma amada (linn.) rhizome (zingiberaceae)
Year: 2002
Copyright (license): CC BY-NC-SA
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Summary of article contents:
Introduction
Curcuma amada Linn., commonly known as mango ginger, is a member of the Zingiberaceae family and is recognized for its medicinal properties in various traditional practices. The plant is primarily found in regions such as Bengal, Tamil Nadu, and the Konkan coast of India and is cultivated for its rhizomes, which are noted for their aromatic and therapeutic traits. The rhizome has been utilized for its cooling, carminative, digestive, and diuretic properties, among others. This study aimed to assess the pharmacognostical and phytochemical characteristics of Curcuma amada through thorough macroscopic and microscopic evaluations, as well as chemical analyses.
Microscopic Analysis and Characteristics
One critical area of focus was the histological examination of Curcuma amada rhizomes. The transverse sections revealed distinctive features, including a periderm consisting of multiple layers of cork cells, an inner cortex containing collateral closed vascular bundles, and numerous oil cells scattered throughout. The endodermis was characterized by vessels featuring annular or spiral thickening, while the stele was comprised of parenchyma filled with various inclusions such as starch grains and calcium oxalate crystals. The study's findings on macroscopic characteristics, coupled with precise micrometric measurements, provide valuable insights for identifying the plant's rhizome and setting standards for quality control, especially in distinguishing it from potential adulterants.
Conclusion
The thorough pharmacognostical evaluation conducted on Curcuma amada Linn. highlighted its unique identifying features both macroscopically and microscopically. The use of diagnostic features alongside information on ash and extractive values serves as a foundational tool for proper identification and authentication of this herbal material. Overall, this research offers essential guidelines for ensuring quality and reducing the risk of adulteration in commercial samples of mango ginger, ultimately contributing to its proper application in traditional medicine and herbal formulations.
FAQ section (important questions/answers):
What is Curcuma amada and its common names?
Curcuma amada Linn., known as mango ginger, has various names including Manghainchi and Kathumachal in Malayalam, and Amragandhiharidra in Sanskrit. It belongs to the Zingiberaceae family and is found in several regions of India.
What are the medicinal properties of Curcuma amada rhizome?
The rhizomes of Curcuma amada possess bitter, aromatic qualities. They are known to be cooling, appetite stimulants, carminatives, digestive aids, demulcents, antipyretics, diuretics, and aphrodisiacs, and are used to treat skin complaints in children.
What methods were used for analyzing Curcuma amada?
The study involved macroscopic and microscopic character analysis, ash and extractive value determination, and histochemical tests. Methods included using 5% KOH, staining with safranin, and Soxhlet extraction with various solvents.
How can we identify Curcuma amada from adulterants?
Identification methods include observing macroscopic features, measuring ash and extractive values, and performing histological analyses. The findings help differentiate Curcuma amada from potential adulterants and ensure quality during collection and extraction.
Glossary definitions and references:
Scientific and Ayurvedic Glossary list for “Pharmacognostic and phytochemical studies on Curcuma amada rhizome.�. 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 crucial for the extraction processes described in the pharmacognostical study of Curcuma amada. Various analyses, including determining extractive values, involved using distilled water. Water acts as a solvent for soluble compounds, making it essential in both the preparation and investigation of herbal materials.
2) Drug:
In the context, 'drug' refers to the therapeutic properties and applications of Curcuma amada rhizome studied pharmacognostically. The term encompasses its use in traditional medicine, with various bioactive compounds contributing to its efficacy, thus emphasizing the importance of pharmacological assessments in drug development.
3) Pharmacognostical:
Pharmacognostical studies focus on the identification and characterization of medicinal plants, like Curcuma amada. This term encompasses various analysis techniques, such as microscopic and chemical methods, to gather information on the plant's properties, which is vital for quality control and ensuring the plant's safe use in herbal medicine.
4) Phytochemical:
Phytochemical refers to the bioactive compounds found within plants that contribute to their medicinal properties. In the study, the importance of conducting phytochemical tests on Curcuma amada rhizomes is highlighted to identify these compounds, aiding in understanding their potential health benefits and therapeutic uses.
5) Pungent:
Pungent describes the strong, sharp flavor and aroma associated with Curcuma amada. This characteristic not only helps in identifying the rhizome during macroscopic examination but also indicates its potential applications in culinary and medicinal contexts, affecting patient preferences and interactions with the drug.
6) Botany:
Botany, the scientific study of plants, underpins the research conducted on Curcuma amada. This discipline aids in understanding the plant's morphology, anatomy, and classification, which is vital for proper identification and utilization in pharmacognostic studies, ensuring that medicinally active plants are used effectively.
7) Mango:
Mango relates to the common name of Curcuma amada, known as 'mango ginger.' This term signifies its flavor profile and possibly its appearance, linking the plant to culturally significant fruits. The name aids in its recognition among consumers and herbal practitioners, distinguishing it from related species.
8) Discussion:
Discussion encompasses the analysis and interpretation of the results obtained from the pharmacognostical study. It serves as a platform for comparing findings with existing literature, understanding the implications of the research, and drawing conclusions regarding the quality and therapeutic potential of the studied plant.
9) Science (Scientific):
Science represents the systematic study of the natural world through observation and experimentation. In this context, it refers to the scientific methodologies employed in analyzing Curcuma amada's properties, demonstrating the need for rigorous scientific approaches in validating herbal medicine's efficacy and safety.
10) Bitter:
Bitter describes one of the sensory qualities of Curcuma amada rhizome. This characteristic indicates the presence of specific phytochemicals that may contribute to its health benefits, as bitterness often correlates with therapeutic properties. Understanding taste profiles is crucial in herbal medicine for both efficacy and dosage.
Other Science Concepts:
Discover the significance of concepts within the article: �Pharmacognostic and phytochemical studies on Curcuma amada rhizome.�. Further sources in the context of Science might help you critically compare this page with similair documents:
Pungent taste, Digestive properties, Phytochemistry, Ash value, Pharmacognostic study, Microscopic characters, Starch grains, Moisture content, Carminative properties, Vascular bundle, Histological studies, Extractive value, Zingiberaceae family, Herbarium reference, Adulteration detection, Chemical reagents, Curcuma amada, Calcium oxalate crystal, Soxhlet extraction apparatus, Rhizome characteristics, Macroscopic character, Preliminary phytochemical test, Mature plant.
Concepts being referred in other categories, contexts and sources.