Microscopic and pharmacognostic standardization of Mollugo cerviana (L.) Ser.: A comprehensive study on morphological and anatomical characteristics for quality assessment in herbal medicine

Abstract

Objectives: The aim of the presented work is to evaluate standardization parameters and identifies the microscopic
structure of the medicinal plant Mollugo cerviana (L.) ser., which is therapeutically important plant belonging
to the family Molluginaceae and used widely in ethnomedicine with its important therapeutic significance.
This article also aims to assess lupeol in plants using high performance thin-layer chromatography (HPTLC).
Materials and Methods: Macro and microscopic, physicochemical, and phytochemical analyses to establish
standard parameters. Standardization of plant material including ash value, extractive value, foaming index
swelling index, and pH was performed using the appropriate method. HPTLC was done for the detection of
lupeol. Results: The vascular bundle, collenchyma, sclerenchyma, palisade cells, and wavy and straight-walled
epidermal cells are visible under a microscope in the leaf, stem, and root. The anomocytic stomata were found
in the leaf. In powdered microscopy of the sample, the prismatic calcium oxalate crystals, cork cells, fibers,
and lignified vessels were also observed. Phytochemical screening found the presence of phenolics, glycosides,
saponins, tannins, flavonoids, triterpenes, and sterols. The moisture content, ash content, swelling index, foaming
index, pH of edible extracts, and solvent-soluble extractives were among the physiochemical characteristics that
were measured. Fluorescence microscopy was conducted to investigate the luminous chemicals in both visible
and ultraviolet light. Thin layer chromatography was carried out for the determination of the maximum number
of spots in various solvent systems followed by HPTLC analysis was found in the concentration of 730.8 ?g/g
min ethanolic extract of M. cerviana. Conclusion: The current findings offer the details required for accurately
identifying and evaluating the quality of crude drugs made from M. cerviana.