* Dr. Prashant Kumar Jha, Head, Quality Control Lab., ALNRMAMC, Koppa
*Corresponding author: [email protected]
Received on: 11-04-2022 Accepted: 15-04-2022 Corrected: 19-04-2022
Background: Number of plants used in folklore medicines have shown promising effects after in vitro and in vivo screenings. Euphorbia heterophylla L. is one that needs proper investigations as stem and leaves are used as purgative and as stomache. Ethnobotanical claims suggest uses of roots as cathartic, emetic and galactogogue.
Materials and Methods: The roots were collected locally from Koppa. Macroscopical and microscopical studies were done for both root and powder of roots. Physico-chemical parameters were tested. The preliminary phytochemical tests were done to check presence or absence of primary and secondary metabolites from aqueous and alcoholic extracts. The fluorescence studies were done using acids and alkalies. Thin layer chromatography was done.
Result: The roots were terete, yellowish-brown in colour externally and pale cream internally. The transverse section was almost circular to oval in outline. The sieve tubes, sieve plates and companion cells were apparent in longitudinal section. Water soluble and alcohol soluble extractives were noted respectively as 29.85% and 17.25%. 11 spots were noted in thin layer chromatography.
Discussion and Conclusion: Abundance of lignified fibers present in xylem is the reason behind fibrous fracture. Oxidizing acids with powder of drugs exhibited similar fluorescence under visible light. Pharmacological uses based on isolated compounds are required for further study.
Keywords: Euphorbia heterophylla, root, pharmacognostical study….