Introduction: Amorphophallus paeoniifolius and Colocasia esculenta, two aroids used as a source of food possess various medicinal properties too. The present study is aimed at the macro microscopic comparison of these two species. Methods: The fresh rhizomes of the A. paeoniifolius and C. esculenta were collected from Mettur and market respectively. Detailed macroscopy followed by anatomy and powder characters were studied in accordance to standard pharmacopoeial procedures. Results: The two rhizomes differed morphologically; A. paeoniifolius is larger and blackish brown externally while C. esculenta is lighter in colour with concentric rings of leaf scars. The rhizome transverse section also showed difference in number of cork layers (less in A. paeoniifolius). The inner cork cells contained rosette crystals in A. paeoniifolius (absent in C. esculenta). Raphide bundles of acicular crystals are present in A. paeoniifolius (prismatic crystals in C. esculenta). Starch grains both simple and compound were present in both species but the grains in C. esculenta were comparatively smaller when compared to A. paeoniifolius. Mucilage cells are seen in both rhizomes while latex tube was visible only in A. paeoniifolius. These differences were reflected in the powder microscopy of the two species. Conclusion: The outcomes of the paper provides a crisp and concise information about the detailed macro-microscopy of the two aroid medicinal plant materials.
Introduction: C. pictus, known as spiral ginger, an ornamental plant which has its origin in Mexico, but cultivated in Indian state of Kerala. C. speciosus could be collected from its natural habitat, but due to ruthless and indiscriminate collection it is endangered. These species are used in many of the indigenous preparation, mainly known for anti-diabetic and anti-hyperlipidaemic properties. The current study is an attempt to compare the phytochemical and antioxidant potential of the two species. Methods: Phytochemical test was carried out in order to figure out the constituents present in the two species of Costus. Further antioxidant activity was carried out in ethanolic extracts by DPPH radical scavenging assay and reducing power assay in vitro by standardised chemical methods using ascorbic acid as standard. Preliminary phytochemical tests and WHO recommended parameters of standardisation were performed. HPTLC fingerprinting profile of the leaf was also been carried out. Results: Antioxidant potential of C. speciosus and C. pictus is attributed to mainly phytoconstituents such as tannins, phenols, flavonoids. Both the species showed equally good antioxidant potential, C. speciosus was better radical scavenger in DPPH assay while C. pictus had a better reducing power. Conclusion: The study has provided evidence of good antioxidant in the species of Costus investigated.
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