Unravelling the identity of Justicia beddomei (C.B.Clarke) Bennet (Acanthaceae) through pharmacognostic characterization

Abstract

Justicia beddomei (C.B.Clarke) Bennet is commonly known as Chittadalodakam or Cheriya aadalodakam and belongs to the family Acanthaceae. It is an evergreen medicinal plant used in the traditional system of medicine for the treatment of various respiratory disorders. J. adhatoda L. of Acanthaceae family is morphologically very much similar to J. beddomei. Nowadays, most people use J. adhatoda over J. beddomei because of its limited geographical distribution and still confused with their morphological similarities. J. beddomei, is considered medicinally superior to the allied species. The present study was conducted to determine the pharmacognostical features of J. beddomei, for the detailed characterization and authentication of the plant. Dried leaf powder as well as fresh leaves were taken to pharmacognostic analysis. Macroscopic characters showed simple, elliptic-lanceolate dark green colour leaves with prominent midrib at the lower surface. Microscopic study revealed the presence of diacytic stomata and bowl-shaped vascular strands with one circular lateral vascular bundle on both sides of the strand. The powder microscopy revealed the presence of xylem and phloem elements. The fluorescence analysis of leaf powder with chemical reagents indicated various colours under UV and daylight. Physico-chemical parameters were evaluated by pH, loss on drying at 105 ⁰C, total ash, acid insoluble ash, water soluble ash, swelling index, foaming index, and extractive values of leaf powder. The results obtained from this study are useful for creating the pharmacognostic profile of J. beddomei and thus help in the standardization and proper identification of the drugs derived from this plant.