Evaluation of pharmacognostical changes in the mature and tender leaves of Panchapallava (group of five leaves), described in Ayurveda

Abstract

Background: Ayurveda describes certain drugs under the heading Mishrakavarga (group of drugs) for therapeutic applications. Panchapallava (group of five leaves), one of these groups, is the combination of leaves of Amra (Mangifera indica L.), Jambu (Syzygium cumini (L.) Skeels), Kapittha (Feronia limonia (L.) Swingle), Bijapura (Citrus medica L.), and Bilva (Aegle marmelos (L.) Correa), is used in the management of Atisara (diarrhea), Grahani (sprue syndrome) and for the processing of many drugs. The technical term pallava indicates tender leaves but routine in pharma practice; mature leaves are used due to unavailability of tender leaves across the year. Aim and Objectives: The present study has been conducted to evaluate the similarities and difference if any, in cellular content and other pharmacognostical characters (morphological along with microscopical) of the tender and matured leaves of Panchapallava (group of five leaves). Materials and Methods: Freehand transverse sections of the matured and tender leaves through midrib were taken and examined under a microscope to locate various constituents’ viz. oil and tannin content along with the micrometric evaluation of secretory cavity and resin canals following standard procedures. Result and Conclusion: The tender and matured leaves showed some common characters such as secretory cavity, tannin content, crystals, and oil globules. The size of the secretory cavity was found more in mature leaves than the tender leaves, whereas the oil globules, all over the cells, were found more in tender leaves than the mature leaves.