Pharmacognostic evaluation and in-vitro antibacterial activity of Uraria Picta Desv. root

Abstract

To explore a detailed pharmacognostic study of the root of Uraria picta Desv. (Family-Papilionaceae), a plant species which is commonly used in preparation of indigenous medicine. The macroscopy, microscopy, quantitative analysis, extractive values in ethno and qualitative phytochemical screening were investigated. Antimicrobial activity was performed by disc diffusion and microdilution method. Root occurs in pieces of varying size, thickness of 1 to 2 cm, gradually tapering, tough, woody and cylindrical. Transverse section of root shows 5 or 6 layers of thin-walled, tabular, regularly arranged cork cells; cork cambium single layered; secondary cortex composed of 4 to 6 layers of oval, tangentially arranged, thin-walled, parenchymatous cells, a few fibers present singly or in groups; secondary phloem composed of sieve elements and parenchyma. Secondary xylem composed of vessels, tracheids, fibers, crystal fibers and parenchyma traversed by xylem rays; vessel very few, mostly confined to inner and outer part of xylem; fibers similar to those of phloem fibers and arranged in close set. The extracts revels the presence of alkaloids, carbohydrate, flavonoids, tritepenoids, proteins, saponins, steroid and tannins. Ethanolic extract of plant posses significant antimicrobial property. The pharmacognostic profile of Uraria picta Desv. root is helpful in sample identification and purity standards.