Pharmacognostic study and establishment of quality parameters of stems of Oxystelma esculentum

Background: Oxystelma esculentum is a perennial twiner growing near water logged areas of the Indian sub-continent. It is traditionally used as a diuretic, galactagogue, anthelmintic and antiperiodic. It is also used ethnomedicinally in throat infections, skin diseases and jaundice. Aim: The present investigation deals with detailed pharmacognostic study of the stems of the plant and establishment of its quality parameters. Materials and Methods: This involved macroscopic and microsopcic studies followed by phytochemical screening, using the established chemical tests. Results: The young and old stems of O. esculentum showed significant morphological and microscopical differences. Microscopy of the powdered stems revealed the presence of parenchymatous tissue filled with numerous rosette crystals and laticiferous vessels. Various quantitative microscopic and physico-chemical parameters were established. Both young and old stems were found to contain cardenolides, flavonoids, phenolics, coumarins, steroids and triterpenoids. Conclusion: Such detailed study can be helpful in standardizing the formulations of O. esculentum as well as serve as a guide for isolating novel phytoconstituents from it.