PHARMACOGNOSTICAL INVESTIGATION OF AERIAL PARTS OF THE POLYGONUM PLEBEIUM R. BR.

Background: Medicinal plants are gaining popularity due to their reputation for being safe and effectively addressing fundamental health care demands. Standardizing medicinal products is the most recommended option because herbal therapy is becoming more and more popular worldwide. Objective: The present study examines various pharmacognostic characteristics that ensure the safety, efficacy, and purity of P. plebeium. Materials and Methods: The present work aimed to investigate the pharmacognostical and phytochemical screening of P. plebeium aerial parts by using energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDX), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), fluorescence, and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy techniques. Results: The scanning electron microscope (SEM) analysis detected the presence of xylem parenchyma, phloem parenchyma, and calcium oxalate crystals. The physicochemical characteristics of P. plebeium indicate that the sulphated ash value (7.6%) is greater than the values of total ash, acid-insoluble ash, and water soluble ash. The fluorescence study of raw powdered drugs revealed a variety of colours substance present in it. The preliminary phytochemical profile identified secondary phytocostituents such as alkaloids, carbohydrates, flavonoids, proteins, and amino acids. The powdered medications’ EDX examination showed that nitrogen, aluminium, silicon, chlorine, potassium, zinc, zirconium, and thallium were present in different amounts. The FT-IR investigation reveals the presence of several functional groups, including alcohols, amines, carboxylic acids, phenols, alkanes, and ketones. Conclusion: A comprehensive analysis of pharmacognostic as well as employing physicochemical, phytochemical, EDX, and FT-IR tests can be highly beneficial in identifying adulterants, ensuring the safety of the phytocostituents present in P. plebeium, and guiding future research.