亚洲传统医药

Abstract: Maerua oblongifolia is one of the botanical sources of the ayurvedic drug Murva. The root drug is used to treat diseases like anemia, fever, diabetes, stomach disorders, urinary calculi and emaciation. The present study includes an investigation of the morphology of the plant, macro-, microscopical characteristics, macerate, histochemical and UV studies. The findings reveal the presence of several vascular bundles in the outer stele region due to anomalous secondary growth; the presence of stone cells in groups, oil globules and crystals in the secondary cortex and vessels with pitted thickenings which help in the identification of the drug. Preliminary phytochemical analysis revealed alkaloids, phytosterols and saponins in the ethanol extract, alkaloids, carbohydrates and glycosides, saponins, proteins and amino acids in the aqueous extract. The petroleum ether extract contained phytosterols, fixed oils and fats. HPTLC finger print profiles of the ethanol and aqueous extracts have been carried out which help in the isolation and identification of the biomarker compound.

Key words: Maerua oblongifolia, Murva, pharmacognosy, HPTLC studies, roots