Morpho-Anatomy, Physiochemical and Phytochemical Standardization with HPTLC Fingerprinting of Aerial Parts of Trichosanthes lobata Roxb.

To study the morpho-anatomy of the aerial parts of Trichosanthes lobata (Cucurbitaceae) to increase the knowledge and standardization parameters of these plants. Morpho-anatomical studies of leaves have been carried out by free hand. The different types of histochemical test were performed by using staining reagents. Phytochemical and quantitative estimation has been determined along with HPTLC fingerprinting. Leaves simple, reniform, or ovate, 5 lobbed and glabrous. Anomocytic stomata are present on lower epidermis. A single layer of elongated palisade cells are present below upper epidermis. Leaf bears covering trichomes unicellular to 3-4 celled long. The central region is occupied by arc shaped vascular bundles comprising of xylem vessels surrounded with phloem cells. Physicochemical paradigms such as; ash value, inorganic elements, moisture content and extractive values were determined to develop stringent Pharmacognostic standards. Qualitative, and Quantitative standardization and, HPTLC fingerprint study of alcoholic and aqueous extracts confirmed the presence of quercitin as biomarker polyphenolic compound. These studies provides referential information for correct identification, as well as assessment of purity, quality of this plant, which definitely gaining the relevance in plant drug research and establishment of plant monograph.