Pharmacognostical studies on leaf and stem of Abrus precatorius

Abstract

Abrus precatorius L. Fabaceae, also known as “licorice”, commonly found in tropical region of southeastern India. The stem and leaves of Abrus precatorius are used in traditional and contemporary herbal medicine but there are no meticulous anatomical explanations that can be developed in pharmacognosy or in comparative anatomical characterization. This study has analysed the stem and leaf anatomy with the intention of supply sufficient information to the medicinal plant identification. The epidermis of the lamina has a cylindrical cells. Secondary xylem has dense radial lines vessel elements and xylem fibers. Cyclocytic type of stomata, simple unbranched trichomes and prismatic calcium oxalate crystals are characteristic of the family Fabaceae and were confirmed by these anatomical studies. This present anatomical characterization of stem and leaf of Abrus precatorius makes a distinction between the other ones of this genus to make sure protection for possible pharmacological use, assuring guarantee for the standardization and authenticity of raw material.