Microscopic and micro chemical evaluation (elemental Analysis) of the medicinal herb, Lippia nodiflora (Linn.) Rich (Phyla nodiflora Linn. Green)

ObjectiveTo explore the micro morphology and elemental analysis of Lippia nodoflora (L. nodiflora)MethodsFresh leaf sections and epidermal peels were used for light microscopy. Glutaraldehyde fixed and dehydrated plant material was used for Scanning Electron Microscopy and Energy Dispersive -ray analysis (EDAX).ResultsScanning electron microscopic studies unraveled the characteristic fine details of the plant. These include the mid fixed or malpighigiaceous, rhomboidal, multi cellular leafy hairs, anisocytic or cruciferous stomata, single celled glands. Leaf constants like stomatal number (stomatal frequency/density) and stomatal index were measured. Detailed anatomy of stem, root and leaf was studied. Elemental analysis was carried out in various parts of the plant.ConclusionsMicroscopic analysis was informative and useful in the sample identification, standardization for quality & purity. Information on micro chemical composition indicates the enrichment of the plant with Si, Ca and Fe. This helps in using the plant in certain herbal preparations that need plants with enriched minerals.