PHARMACOGNOSTICAL AND PHYTOCHEMICAL STANDARDIZATION OF TUBEROUS ROOT OF SMILAX CHINA L.

In this study, the pharmacognostic and phytochemical standardization of tuberous roots of Smilax china L. belongs to the Family Liliaceae was performed in detail. Pharmacognostical standardizations like macroscopical and microscopical studies, powder microscopy, quantitative microscopy, physicochemical analysis, fluorescence study, determination of heavy metal contamination, qualitative and quantitative estimation of inorganic elements, microbial contamination and preliminary phytochemical screening were performed as per WHO guidelines and other standard methods. The pharmacognostic evaluation was performed in order to create a standard monograph of the plant for identification as well as to detect the adulterants. Macroscopical study of tuberous root showed irregular, cylindrical, curved in shape and brownish-yellow in color. A microscopical study showed cortex, sclerenchyma, elongated parenchyma, starch grains, vascular bundles, fibers and tannin cells. Linear measurements were measured. Physicochemical analysis like ash value (Total ash – 0.5% w/w, acid insoluble ash – 0.06% w/w, water-soluble ash – 0.01% w/w, sulphated ash – 0.08% w/w), extractive value (water-soluble -16% w/w, alcohol soluble – 6% w/w), loss on drying (4.76% w/w), foaming index and fluorescence study were determined. Heavy metals and microbial contamination were determined. Iron was estimated as 4.44% w/w. Phytochemical screening showed the presence of alkaloids, carbohydrates, saponins, terpenoids, phenolic compounds, and tannins. Evaluation of tuberous root Smilax china L. ensures the identity and ascertains the quality and purity of this drug. The phytochemical study helps for the isolation and characterization of phytoconstituents present in this plant.