Macro-microscopical and physicochemical evaluations of Tinospora crispa (L.) Hook. f. & Thomson stem

Abstract

Tinospora crispa (L.) Hook. f. & Thomson stem has been employed as a traditional remedy for ailments like diabetes, hypertension, malaria, diarrhoea, etc. In the present study, macromicroscopical and physicochemical evaluation of T. crispa stem has been carried out to determine the standards for testing authenticity. The botanical evaluation of T. crispa stem revealed the presence of microscopic features like wide parenchymatous cortex with large columnar mucilage cell; inner cortical cells with plenty of ovoidal starch grains and prismatic crystals. The characteristic features like stellate arrangement of secondary xylems; semicircular strips of continuous secondary phloem, etc. Colour change upon chemical interaction of T. crispa stem powder with different reagents revealed characteristic colours under visible and UV light. The results of the present study will help to confirm the authenticity of T. crispa stem and it will aid to distinguish the plant from its allied species, even in crushed or powdered form.