Pharmacognostical evaluation of Arisaema murrayi (J. Graham) Hook. leaves and tubers for quality control assessment

Abstract

Introduction: Arisaema murrayi (J. Graham) Hook. is one of the plants belonging to the family Araceae, commonly
called Murray’s Cobra Lily or Snake Lily which is known for its medicinal benefits. However, no published work
is available to date on pharmacognostical evaluation. Materials and Methods: Pharmacognostic evaluation of
leaf sand tubers was carried as per the standard guidelines which are based on morphological, microscopical, and
physicochemical analysis. Results: The morphological evaluation of tubers revealed that tubers were hemispheric
in shape, up to 5 cm radius, leaves were found to be coming up shortly after the peduncle, with peltate shape. The
layers of the epidermis in the leaf are closely packed. Below the epidermis, there is 2–3 layer of collenchyma cells
present. Microscopy study of powder showed the presence of a few layers of fibrous tissue. Cluster crystals of calcium
oxalate and starch grains were also present in the powder. Preliminary phytochemical analysis showed the presence of
carbohydrates, proteins and amino acids as primary metabolites, and alkaloids as secondary metabolites. Conclusion:
Pharmacognostic characters studied will be helpful in morphological and microscopical standardization of A. murrayi.