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Oven dry powdered samples of 6 medicinal plant species were
studied anatomically in search of micomorphological characters to
identify the original plants used in the preparation. Moistened head of
the needle was used to transfer samples unto a labeled glass slide
containing 1 - 2 drops of water and glycerol/ethanolTS; covered with
cover slip and warmed gently to remove air bubbles. Samples were
observed under the microscope in search of intact whole tissues and
cells which could be used to identify the species of plant. The main
characteristics of the fragments recovered from the samples are,
sclereid tissue system and long, branching non-septate fibre of
Teprapluera tetraptera (Shum and Thonn.) Taubs; compound bundle
sheath in Cymbopon citratus (DC.) Stapf; epidermal furrow and
ridges and densely-rayed druses in Hibiscus sabdarifa Linn.
; spindle shaped epidermal cells in Cajanu cajans (Linn.).
Millsp; sinous anticlinal wall in Cucuma longa L. and annular
type tracheary elements in Azadiracthta indica. There is a
suggestion that an examination by microscopy can provide a form of
identification of herbal constituent from a prepared remedy.
Key words:
Medicinal plant species, Cymbopon citratus, Azadiracthta
indica. |
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