Assessment of Pharmacognostic and Preliminary Physicochemical Investigations of Ethnomedicinal Plant Leea Asiatica (L.) Ridsdale of Valmiki Tiger Reserve, West-Champaran District, Bihar

Abstract

Leea asiatica (L.) Ridsdale is synonymously known as Phytolacca asiatica L. and Leea crispa L.. Leea asiatica is a perennial shrub or small tree in the family Vitaceae. According to a survey, any report was not available on macroscopic, microscopic, and physicochemical investigations of Leea asiatica (L.) Ridsdale. The present study was aimed to evaluate macroscopic, microscopic characters, and physicochemical investigations of Leea asiatica (L.) Ridsdale. All parameters were established according to the Pharmacognostical standards procedure. Leaves were found to be petiolate, leaflets 5-7, oblong or elliptic-ovate. Stems are soft wooded, erect, and pubescent. Transverse sections of the midrib of leaf displayed a single layer of the epidermis, glandular, and non-glandular trichomes. Powder microscopy of the leaf and stem showed the presence of rosette crystals of calcium oxalate, trichomes, and starch grains. Physiochemical studies like ash values, extractive values, and LOD of Leea asiatica leaves have also been established. The present studies have established parameters for the correct identification of Leea asiatica. The present investigation was carried out to focus on pharmacognostic and preliminary physicochemical investigations of plant, Leea asiatica (L.) Ridsdale., which will assist in standardization for authenticity, quality, and identification of herbal products.