Pharmacognostic studies and elemental analysis of the aerial parts of Cassytha filiformis Linn. (Family: Lauraceae)
Abstract
Cassytha filiformis Linn. (family Lauraceae) a leafless and perennial vine with small scales as a replacement of the leaves is currently being used in the treatment of various disease conditions including jaundice. The aim of this work is to study the pharmacognostic characters of C. filiformis Macroscopic/organoleptic characters, microscopic, chemo-microscopic characters, numerical standards, and elemental analysis were determined from the whole plant of C. filiformis. Findings from this study revealed the presence of some diagnostic microscopical features such as paracytic stomata, unicellular covering trichomes with cystoliths, prismatic calcium oxalate crystals and annular xylem vessels. Quantitative physical constants include moisture contents (5.5 %), ash value (17 %), acid insoluble ash value (1 %), total tannins (27.3 %), swelling index (165 %), water, alcohol and oil extractive indices (20.6 %, 13.6 % and 1.6 % respectively). Trace metals detected in C. filiformis such as Fe (165.4279 ppm), Mn (14.4093 ppm) and Ni (2.7933 ppm) which are essential were higher than FAO/WHO (1984) permissible limit for edible plants. While others: Pb (0.0568 ppm) Zn (0.1094 ppm), Cd (0.0103 ppm) and Cu (0.0535 ppm) were found to be within the safety limit.
Keywords: Cassytha filiformis; Rumfar gada; Lauraceae; Pharmacognostic characters
Copyright of articles published shall reside exclusively with the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Jos.
DECLARATION & COPYRIGHT TRANSFER
I/We the undersigned author(s) of article entitled
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
Declare as follows:
- The manuscript submitted to Journal of Pharmacy & Bioresources is original and has not been and will be published, whole or in part, in print or electronic format, in any other journal. It is also not being currently considered for publication in any journal.
- The submitted manuscript is a joint decision of all the coauthors.
- Each author has participated sufficiently in the work to warrant his or her inclusion in the list of authors. To this end, each author takes responsibility for appropriate portions of the manuscript.
- Authors have obtained necessary approval to carry out the experiments on animals and human subjects. Approval certificates will be furnished, if required by publishers or editors of the journal.
- Authors do not have any conflict of interest (financial or otherwise) other than those declared.
- If the manuscript is accepted for publication, the authors transfer and assign copyright of the article referenced above to Journal of Pharmacy and Bioresources.
Name & Signature of authors
1. 2.
- 4.
- 6.
- 8.
Corresponding authors name address, affiliation and email: