Anatomical characterisation and foliar microscopy of Hypericum perforatum L.

Background: Hypericum perforatum L. (family: Hypericaceae), commonly known as St. John’s-wort, is a perennial herb and traditionally used for treating anxiety, depression, gastritis, insomnia also menstrual disorders and for healing cuts and burns. In homoeopathy, this remedy is used for the treatment of injuries, tetanus, neuritis, tingling, burning and numbness and constant drowsiness, coccydynia, spasmodic asthmatic attacks with changes of weather, etc. Objective: The pharmacognostic and fluorescence studies of H. perforatum L. have been conducted to carry out correct identification of plant species for homoeopathic drug preparation and to lay down the standards of the raw drug. Materials and Methods: The raw drug was supplied by Regional Research Institute of Unani Medicine, Jammu. In the pharmacognostical studies, the macroscopic, microscopic, powder microscopy and fluorescence analysis were performed. Results: The raw drug was dried, broken and shrivelled pieces of stem, root and leaves. Leaves were pale yellow to brown with prominent blackish-brown dots. The mature stem was circular in shape with two prominent winged projections on both the sides, rays being unibiseriate; pith composed of thin-walled and thick-walled parenchymatous cells with pits. The stomatal index was 22–25 on lower surface, vein-islet 35–43 and palisade ratio 6–10 recorded. Conclusion: The presented features along with the powder microscopic, organoleptic characters and fluorescence analysis are diagnostic to establish the standards for ensuring correct identity of the raw drug.