Pharmacognostic, Physicochemical and Phytochemical investigation of Leaves of Duranta repens Linn

The study was designed to investigate pharmacognostic characteristic of Duranta repenes Linn.(Verbenaceae) Leaves, a critical plant in the Indian system of medicine.

The macroscopy, microscopy, physiochemical analysis and fluorescence study of dried leaves powderand other WHO suggested parameters of standardization were carried out.

Leaves are simple with petioles, ovate to oblong-ovate, with serrate margin and cute apex. Leafvenation indicates brachidodrome; pinnate. The leaf surface demonstrates the anisocytic sort stomata, veins, vein islet and vein termination. Transverse section of leaf demonstrates the epidermis layer covered with cuticle and vascular bundles (xylem and phloem) in the midrib region. The mesophyll region is separated into palisade and light parenchyma cells with raphides of calcium oxylate crystals. Epidermis shows presence of Uniseriate, unicellular covering trichomes. Segments of collenchymas was observed in midrib towards epidermis or aligned to epidermis.

It can be presumed that the pharmacognostic profile of the Duranta repenes Linn might be supportive in creating standards for quality, purity and sample identification.