PHARMACOGNOSTIC EVALUATION OF LAGERSTROEMIA SPECIOSA FRUIT

PHARMACOGNOSTIC EVALUATION OF LAGERSTROEMIA SPECIOSA FRUIT

Rohini Shyam Waghmare and Pratima Arun Tatke *

U. Shah College of Pharmacy, S. N. D. T. Women’s University, Sir Vithaldas Vidyavihar, Santacruz (W), Mumbai, Maharashtra, India.

ABSTRACT: Lagerstroemia speciosa (Lythraceae), commonly known as Banaba which bears attractive and colourful pink or purple flowers. The leaf of the plant is used as a remedy for the treatment of diabetes. The seed, root, stem bark of the plant has shown a promising pharmacological effect. Fruits are used for diarrhoea, mouth ulcers. Pharmacognostic evaluation of leaves stems and stem bark is available in the literature; there are no reports available on pharmacognostic evaluation of fruit. The current study aims at the development of pharmacognostic standards for Lagerstroemia speciosa fruits. Fruits were evaluated for organoleptic, microscopic characteristics, physicochemical properties, preliminary phytochemical screening. Microscopy analyses showed pericarp, epidermal layer, mesocarp, endocarp, and seeds. Powder microscopy showed elongated sclerides, stone cells, fibers, parenchyma cells. Water and alcohol extractive values were found to be 13.2% and 0.96%, respectively. Preliminary phytochemical investigation of extracts showed the presence of tannins, flavonoids, and saponin. The current study would serve as an important tool for correct identification and preparation of monograph of Lagerstroemia speciosa fruit.

Keywords: Lagerstroemia speciosa fruit, Banaba, Pharmacognostic evaluation

Medicinal plants have been used for treatment all around the world. They are important in various traditional medicine systems. The use of herbal medicines is ever-increasing. The herbal medicines market is also expanding globally. Hence the safety, efficacy and quality standardization of the medicinal plant-based drugs become essential ^{1, 2}. Microscopic identification and phytochemical investigation are the most commonly used economic methods for standardization, identification, authentication and assessment of qualities of crude drugs ³.

In the current study, we have investigated Lager-stroemia speciosa fruit. The plant is commonly known as Banaba, Jarul, Queen’s flower, Queen of flowers, Crepe myrtle and Pride of India ^{4, 5, 6, 7, 8}. Traditionally different parts of Banaba are used as a folk medicine for the treatment of different diseases. Tea prepared from leaves has been used to prevent diabetes mellitus ^{4, 8, 9, 10}. It is reported that the seed of banaba has narcotic properties.

The root is astringent with stimulant and febrifuge activity. Fruit is used for mouth ulcers. The fruit has proven antinociceptive and cytotoxic activity. Leaves are known for purgative action. Leaves also possess diuretic and antidiabetic action. At the same time, infusion of the bark is indicated in treating abdominal pain and diarrhea ⁷. The detailed pharmacognostic evaluation of leaves stems and stem bark is available in literature ^{4, 5, 6}.

However, microscopic evaluations and Pharma-cognostic study of the fruit of Banaba is not available in the literature. Hence in the present investigation the macroscopy, microscopy, physicochemical analysis as well as preliminary phytochemical analysis of fresh fruits as well as powder of fruits of Banaba was carried out to meet quality standards ^{11, 12}.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

Collection and Identification of Plant Material: The plant material was collected from medicinal plant garden of SNDT Women's University, Juhu Campus, Mumbai. For correct botanical identification herbarium of plant were made in flowering and fruiting condition. The herbarium is deposited and authentication was done from Agharkar Research Institute Pune Maharashtra.

Processing and Extraction of Samples: Fresh fruits were collected for microscopical analysis. The matured fruits were shade dried and crushed into coarse powder using mixer. The powder is further extracted with water and ethanol.

Macroscopic Evaluation: The morphological characters shape, sizes were determined. Organoleptic characters such as colour, odour and taste were noted. Other visible characteristics found for the fruit, seeds were also noted.

Microscopic Evaluation:

Transverse Section: The healthy fruit specimens were fixed in FAA [composition: formalin 5 ml, Acetic acid 5 ml, Ethyl alcohol (70%) 90 ml] and dehydrated using series of tertiary butyl alcohol ^{13, 14, 15}.

Infiltration of dehydrated specimen was carried out using Paraffin wax (melting point 58-600 C) till tertiary butyl alcohol solution was supersaturated. Paraffin blocks were casted for the specimens. The sections of 10-12 μm were cut using rotary microtome and dewaxed for further staining procedure ^{14, 15, 16, 17}. Staining was done with Toluidine blue, safranin, Fast-green and iodine solution (for Starch) ^{14, 15, 17, 18}.

Powder Microscopy: Thoroughly dried fruits were coarsely powdered and stained to observe different anatomical characters.

Nikon Lab photo 2 microscopic Unit was used to have photographs of different magnifications.

Physicochemical Evaluation: The physic-chemical standardization is one of the important tools for determination of adulteration and foreign organic matter. It is necessary to evaluate these parameters as the crude ingredients of herbal formulations are usually admixed with different adulterants. The different parameters such as loss on drying and total ash, acid-insoluble ash, extractive values were determined ^{19, 20}.

Phytochemical Screening: The aqueous extract and ethanolic extracts of fruit prepared and screened for preliminary phytochemical constituents ^{20, 21}.

RESULTS:

Identification and Authentication of Plant Material: The herbarium of plant is identified and authenticated from Agharkar Research Institute Pune Maharashtra. The plant authentication number is 3/187/2015/Adm.-2798.

Macroscopic Evaluation: Lagerstroemia speciosa is a tall tree. It can grow up to a height 20 to 22 m. It starts bearing flowers while it is shrub. The flowers are bright pink to purple in colour. The diameter of flowers is from 5 to 6 cm. Leaves are oblong in shape with a length of 11 to 25 cm and a width of 6 to 11 cm. The Colour of mature leaves is green, which turns orange to red as it gets older. The plant has smooth creamy-brown bark. It peels in flakes Fig. 1.

FIG. 1: LAGERSTROEMIA SPECIOSA PLANT IN FRUITING STAGE

Fresh fruits are green to olive green in colour; ripe fruits turn brown and then almost black. Fruits are smooth woody capsules. The seeds are apically wing. The size of the fruit is about 2 cm long with a spike at the tip Fig. 2.

The fruit has five sepals which are united at the base. A capsule of fruit splits open along five or six sutures and has neatly packed seeds inside Fig. 3.

Old woody fruits remain for a long time on the tree, even until the next flowering and fruiting season. Inside the fruit occurs thin flat seeds with a wing at its tip to facilitate dispersal by wind.

FIG. 2: SINGLE FRUIT SHOWING PERSISTENT CALYX LOBE AND REMAINS OF STAMEN CA: CALYX, FR: FRUIT

FIG. 3: LONGITUDINAL SECTION OF FRUIT

Qualitative Microscopy

Transverse Section of Fruit: When fruit is cut transversely, it shows six carpels. These six septa extend from the center towards the periphery. Fig. 4 the pericarp of fruit is 2 mm thick. The pericarp consists of an epidermal layer, thick mesocarp and sclerotic endocarp. Fig. 5 and 6 the epicarp consists of endoderm, parenchymal cells, and periderm of the pericarp. The mesocarp is the middle part of pericarp, consisting of parenchyma cells, wide circular mucilage-containing cells, and small circular vascular bundles. Inner part of pericarp has fibers Fig. 6. Seeds are covered with soft cottony wool on the surface. The seeds have a narrow conical stalk and wide triangular outer part Fig. 7.

FIG. 4: TRANSVERSE SECTION OF FRUIT (LOW MAGNIFICATION). Ax- Axis, Se: Septum, Sd: Seed, Pc: Pericarp.

FIG. 5: TRANSVERSE SECTION OF FRUIT (HIGH MAGNIFICATION). Ax- Axis, Se: Septum, Sd: Seed, Pc: PericarpTS show fertile seeds.

FIG. 6: T. S. OF FRUIT-PERICARP PORTION. Ep: epicarp, En: Endocarp, GT: Ground Tissue of mesocarp, Me: Mesocarp, Mu: Mucilage containing cells, VB: Vascular Bundles.

FIG. 7: SEEDS- ENTIRE VIEW

Powder Microscopy: The powder of fruit is brown to black in colour and has a characteristic odour and taste. The powder characteristics include sclerenchymatous pericarp, thick cylindrical elongated sclerides, rectangular stone cells, long narrow tapering fibres, rectangular and conical shape parenchyma cells, plenty of rosette type calcium oxalate crystals Fig. 8 A-F.

FIG. 8: PHOTOMICROSCOPY OF POWDER OF LAGERSTROEMIA SPECIOSA FRUIT.

A: sclerenchymatous pericarp, B: thick cylindrical elongated sclerides, C: rectangular stone cells. D: long narrow tapering fibres, E: rectangular and conical shape parenchyma cells, F: rosette type calcium oxalate crystals.

Physicochemical Evaluation: The loss on drying at 1100 is found to be 21.2%.

TABLE 1: PHYSICOCHEMICAL ANALYSIS OF LAGERSTROEMIA SPECIOSA FRUIT

Total ash value was found 27.7% and acid insoluble ash was found 9.08%, respectively.

The water-soluble, as well as ethanol soluble extractive values, is Table 1.

Phytochemical Screening: Water and ethanol extract of fruit showed the presence of tannins, flavonoids, saponins glycosides. Steroids and alkaloids were found to be absent Table 2. Flavonoids and tannins are well known for their therapeutic importance. The plant possesses a high percentage of tannins, flavonoids; hence the fruit may show promising pharmacological action.

TABLE 2: PRELIMINARY PHYTOCHEMICAL INVESTIGATION OF EXTRACTS OF LAGERSTROEMIA SPECIOSA FRUIT

DISCUSSION: Pharmacognostic evaluation is an important tool for the identification of medicinal plants. It is rapid, easy and economical. Microscopic evaluation is one of the essential parameters in the monograph of the plant. Studies on physicochemical constants can serve as a vital source of information for quality control of the crude drug. Pharmacognostic and physicochemical evaluation can serve as a primary yet reliable tool for identifying the crude drug.

Gross identification can be done by morphological characters like colour, odour, taste, etc. From the results of microscopical characters, the fruit microscopy showed six carpels, epidermal layer, mesocarp, endocarp and seeds. The powder microscopy showed elongated sclerides, stone cells, fibers, and parenchyma cells. Identification and authentication of the plant can be done by powder study. To establish identity and degree of purity, macroscopic and microscopic examination plays an important step as per WHO guidelines. The preliminary phytochemical analysis for both extracts predominantly showed the presence of tannins, phenols, flavonoids and saponins. Tannins, phenols, and flavonoids are usually considered as one of the important phytoconstituents. Phenolics and flavonoids as they serve as neutraceutical, pharmaceutical.

These phytochemicals have proven potent anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-carcinogenic and anti-mutagenic activity ^{22, 23}. These secondary metabolites from plant resources have been used extensively for their therapeutic application and for the better health status of human beings ²³. The Pharmacognostic standards provide value-added information about the plant. These microscopic and macroscopic parameters will help establish the pharmacognostic standards ²⁴.

The parameters reported for Lagerstroemia speciosa fruit in the current study will also be useful for the identification and authentication of the plant.

CONCLUSION: The present study will provide useful information for the correct identification, purity and standardization of plants.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT: Authors are grateful to AICTE for providing funding under the Career Award for Young Teachers (CAYT) scheme.

CONFLICTS OF INTEREST: Nil

REFERENCES:

1. WHO guidelines for assessing quality of herbal medicines with reference to contaminants and residues, World Health Organization, WHO Library Cataloguing-in-Publication Data 2007; 1-2.
2. Pereira US, Tolentino GS, Morais J, Souza K, Estevinho LM and Santos EL: Physicochemical characterization, microbiological quality and safety, and pharmacological potential of Hancornia speciosa Oxidative Medicine and Cellular Longevity 2018; 2976985.
3. Zhongzhen Z: Application of microscopic techniques for the authentication of herbal medicines, microscopy: science, technology, applications and education. Formatex Spain Vol II 2010,
4. Woratouch T, Thatree P and Suchada S: Pharmacognostic evaluations of Lagerstroemia speciosa leaves. Journal of Medicinal Plants Research 2011; 5(8): 1330-37.
5. Wahi AK, Khosa RL and Yogesh M: Pharmacognostical studies on stem and stem bark of Lagerstroemia speciosa (L.) Persoon. Int J Crude Drug Res 1982; 20(1): 19-27.
6. Lee Y and Lee S: First record of the genus Tinocallis matsumura (Hemiptera: Aphididae) on Lagerstromia speciosa in Laos. Korean J Appl Entomol 2016; 55(2): 171-75.
7. EricWei CC, Lea NT and Siu KW: Phytochemistry and pharmacology of Lagerstroemia speciosa: a natural remedy for diabetes. International Journal of Herbal Medicine 2014; 2(2): 100-105.
8. Khare CP: Indian Medicinal Plants- An Illustrated Dictionary. Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg 2007.
9. Stohs SJ, Miller H and Kaats GR: A Review of the efficacy and safety of banaba (Lagerstroemia speciosa) and corosolic acid. Phytother Res 2012; 26: 317–324.
10. Neamsuvan O, Komonhiran P and Boonming K: Medicinal plants used for hypertension treatment by folk healers in Songkhla province, Thailand. J Ethnopharmacol 2018; 25: 214: 58-70.
11. Vijayaraghvalu SS, Dhakshanmurthy T, Pothalu KY and Muniswamy S: Pharmacognostic and preliminary phytochemical study of Lagerstroemia speciosa International Journal of Research in Ayurveda and Pharmacy 2011; 2(3): 893-898.
12. Ichim MC, Häser A and Nick P: Microscopic Authentication of Commercial Herbal Products in the Globalized Market: Potential and Limitations. Frontiers in Pharmacology 2020; 11: 876.
13. Sass JE: Elements of Botanical Microtechnique. McGraw Hill Book Co; New York 1940; 222.
14. Balasubramaniam G, Sekar M and Badami S: Pharmacognostical, physicochemical and phytochemical evaluation of Strobilanthes kunthianus (Acanthaceae). Pharmacogn J 2020; 12(4): 731-741.
15. Mownika S, Ramya EK and Sharmila S: Anatomical and histochemical characteristics of Morinda citrifolia (Rubiaceae) IJPSR 2020; 11(2): 669-677.
16. Johansen D: Plant Microtechnique. Mc Graw Hill Book Co; New York 1940.
17. Kumudhaveni B, Radha R and Suresh J: Pharmacognostical and phytochemical standardization of seeds of Strychnos potatorum (Loganiaceae). Journal of Pharmacognosy and Phytochemistry 2020; 9(2): 2054-2059.
18. O’Brien TP, Feder, N and Mc Cull ME: Polychromatic staining of plant cell walls by toluidine blue-O. Protoplasma 1964; 59: 364-373.
19. Anonymous: Quality Control methods for herbal materials. World Health Organization 1998.
20. Alamgir ANM: Therapeutic Use of Medicinal Plants and Their Extracts. Springer International Publishing Switzerland 2017; 1: 453-495.
21. Khandelwal KR: Practical Pharmacognosy, Nirali Prakashan Pune Edition 2011; 25: 1-25.
22. Panche AN, Diwan AD and Chandra SR: Flavonoids: an overview. Journal of Nutritional Science 2016; 47(5): 1-15.
23. Muniyandi K, Georgea E, Sathyanarayanana S, Blassan PG, Abrahamse H, Suman TS and Thangaraj P: Phenolics, tannins, flavonoids and anthocyanins contents influenced antioxidant and anticancer activities of Rubus fruits from Western Ghats, India. Food Science and Human Wellness 2019; 8: 73–81.
24. Nagamine NP, Fagg CW, Gomes SM, Oliveira RC and Oliveira JS: Vegetative anatomy, morphology and histochemistry of three species of Malpighiaceae used in analogues of the Amazonian Psychoactive Beverage Ayahuasca Flora 2021; 275: 151760.
    

    ---

    How to cite this article:

    Waghmare RS and Tatke PA: Pharmacognostic evaluation of Lagerstroemia speciosa fruit. Int J Pharm Sci & Res 2021; 12(11): 5842-47. doi: 10.13040/IJPSR.0975-8232.12(11).5842-47.

    ---

    All © 2021 are reserved by International Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Research. This Journal licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported License.