Establishment of Quality Parameters of Roots and Rhizomes of Oxystelma esculentum

Introduction:Oxystelma esculentum is a perennial twiner growing near water-logged areas. Its roots are traditionally used as diuretic, galactagogue, anthelmintic, antiulcer, laxative and antiperiodic. The roots are also used ethnomedicinally by the tribes of Orissa in India for treating hepatitis. Methods: The present investigation deals with the pharmacognostic study of the roots and rhizomes of Oxystelma esculentum and establishment of its quality parameters, including physicochemical and phytochemical evaluation. Results: It was found that the roots and rhizomes of O. esculentum have almost similar microscopic features. They show the presence of cork and occasional lenticels, followed by phelloderm and cortex consisting of triangular or oval stone cells having U-shaped lumen. The pericycle consists of 4-5 continuous bands of stone cells followed by stele having endarch xylem. Sheath of calcium oxalate rosette crystals is present above the xylem. Pith is present in rhizome but absent in root. Microscopy of the powder revealed the presence of cork in surface view, stone cells, parenchymatous tissue lined internally by a large number of calcium oxalate rosette crystals and xylem vessels with different types of thickening. Various physico-chemical parameters and quantitative microscopic parameters were established. From the phytochemical screening, the roots and rhizomes were found to contain cardenolides, flavonoids, phenolics and sugars, which were estimated by their respective procedures. Conclusion: Establishment of these quality parameters can be useful in the identification, authentication and standardization of the plant material while also paving a way for exploring its phytoconstituents and possible therapeutic applications.