Pharmacognostical studies on tubers of Momordica tuberosa Cogn., Cucurbitaceae

Abstract

RESUMO: "Estudos farmacognósticos de tubérculos de Momordica tuberosa Cogn., Cucurbitaceae". Este trababalho teve como objetivo estabelecer um perfil farmacognóstico dos tuvérculos da planta Momordica tuberosa Cogn., Cucurbitaceae. A morfoanatomia dos tubérculos da espécie foi realizada para estabelecer um perfil completo que possa ajudar na identificação e evitar problemas na sua taxonomia. Os ensaios foram realizados usando microscópio ótico, procedimentos fisico-químicos e fitoquímicos estabelecidos pela OMS. Os parâmetros apresentados podem ser usados para apresetar a autenticidade dos tubérculos desta espécie, uma vez que esta parte da droga é utilizada tradicionalmente na Índia e, também, para diferenciá-la de outras espécies de Momordica.Unitermos: anatomia, seção transversal, fisicoquímica, farmacognosia, tubérculos. ABSTRACT:The study was aimed at establishing pharmacognostical profile for the tubers of plant Momordica tuberosa Cogn., Cucurbitaceae. Morphoanatomy of tubers of this plant were studied in order to establish its complete profile to aid in its identification and avoid confusion in its taxanomic species. These were established using light microscopy, WHO recommended physicochemical and phytochemical procedures. The parameters presented here may be used to establish the authenticity of tubers of this plant as this part has been used traditionally in India and also to differentiate between closely related Momordica species.

Anatomical and Histochemical Characterization of Leaves of Luffa cylindrica (L.) M. Roem

“…revealed a convex outline on the adaxial surface and triangular outline on the abaxial surface. 35 About the presence of collenchyma in the petiole, this tissue has also been observed in B. alba and some species of Momordica. 36 In the latter case, Aguoru and Okoli have verified that the number of collenchyma layers can be a character to differentiate them.…”

Anatomical Study and Characterization of Metabolites in Leaves of Momordica charantia L.

“…also has a triangular outline on the abaxial surface, but on the adaxial surfaceit has a convex outline. 37 Sãvulescu and Hoza 38 observed that the cuticle is thin in the petiole of M. charantia, while Coutinho et al 39 described the cuticle as slightly thickened. The presence of collenchyma in the petiole may be a useful feature to distinguish species of Momordica.…”

“…In M. tuberosa, the palisade parenchyma presents two layers of cells and the idioblasts are inserted in both surfaces of the epidermis, 37 making these characters useful for differentiation of M. charantia. Analyzing the powder of the leaf blade of M. tuberosa, Kumar et al 37 cited that the idioblasts appear in pairs or, occasionally, in groups of more than three idioblasts. They were not found in the literature histochemical studies with leaves of M. charantia.…”

Evaluation of anticonvulsant activity of ethanolic extract of Momordica tuberosa leaves in experimental animals

“…The roots are woody, tuberous and perennial. 2 It contains several phyto-constituents such as sterols, saponins, triterpenoids, cardiac glycosides, flavonoids, carbohydrates. 2 The medicinal properties of various parts of M. tuberosa are testified.…”

“…2 It contains several phyto-constituents such as sterols, saponins, triterpenoids, cardiac glycosides, flavonoids, carbohydrates. 2 The medicinal properties of various parts of M. tuberosa are testified. It possess antidiabetic, hypolipidemic, 3 antiovulatory, abortifacient, 4 antidiarrhoeal, 5 anticonvulsant, 6 antioxidant, hepatoprotective, 7 nephroprotective, 8 antidepressant, 9 antiulcer 10 properties.…”