Pharmacognostic and phytochemical evaluation of Celosia argentea

Introduction: Celosia argentea Linn. (Amaranthaceae) is a common weed found abundantly in Bhor and Nagar districts of Maharashtra. The plant is traditionally used as an antidote for snake-poison, anti-ulcer and in the treatment of eye diseases, glandular swellings, eczema and constipation. The thorough microscopical details of the plant are not documented in any of the official literature hence the present study was undertaken with the view to establish the monograph of the plant. Materials and Methods: Macroscopy, Microscopy including transverse section, paradermal studies, powder characteristics, physicochemical standards were studied as per the protocol. The plant was also subjected to phytochemical Screening. Results: Microscopy of the leaves showed the thick, cylindrical and collateral vascular strand. The mesophyll tissue consists of adaxial band of vertically oblong cylindrical palisade cells, fan shaped and sandy balls crystals of calcium oxalate and anomocytic stomata. The stem shows unique vascular system sometimes called “anomalous type”. Roots showed presence of primary concentric and secondary radial vascular bundle with distinct medullary rays running through the vascular bundles. The physicochemical parameters were estimated to define the purity limits. The preliminary phytochemical screening indicated the presence of carbohydrates, glycosides, flavonoids, tannins and steroids in the aerial parts, seed and root extracts which were confirmed by chromatography. Conclusion: Thus from the above study, it can be concluded that the pharamacognostic and phytochemical data could serve as a base for building the official monograph of the drug required for identification, isolation, synthesis of a new drug development in a ethanopharmacological research.