Morphological and Anatomical Studies of Stem of Ageratum conyzoides

Abstract

Context: Ageratum conyzoides Linn. (Asteraceae) is an important medicinal plant used in African traditional medicine for healing mental and infectious disorders. Objective: The objective of this work was to contribute to the pharmacobotanical standardization of A. conyzoides. Materials and Methods: Cross sections of the stem were obtained, by hand, for microscopic characterization of the stem. Powder microscopical characteristics were studied by microscope and scanning electron microscopy. Macroscopic characters and physiochemical standards of drug were also studied through standard methods mentioned in the WHO. Results and Discussion: Morphology of A. conyzoides showed that the outer surface of the stem was light green and inner surface was cream white in color, having slight bitter taste, and aromatic odor. Acicular calcium oxalate, sclerenchyma, thin long fibers, and hexagonal cork cells were observed in powder microscopy. Scanning electron microscopy showed the arrangement of vascular tissue in transverse section of the stem. Conclusion: These anatomical features are useful for the diagnosis of the species and provide support to their quality control.