Pharmacognostical investigation of Ipomoea digitata linn. roots to aid identification and standardization

Ipomoea digitata Linn. belongs to family Convolvulaceae with the synonym elephant potato is commonly known as Bilaikand in Hindi. It is an extensive perennial climber, with large ovoid or elongated tuberous roots. Root part of the plant is used to cure various aliments by the locals and tribes in different part of India. The present study involves detailed pharmacognostical investigation of the root with an objective to facilitate proper identification and standardisation of the herbal drug and formulations. Microscopy of the transverse sections, proximate analysis which includes moisture content, ash values and extractive values were determined. The preliminary phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of carbohydrates, gums, amino acids, proteins, fixed oils, saponins, flavonoids, and tannins. Microscopic analysis shows presence of narrow angular six primary xylem strands, xylem vessel are of 200-450μm in diameter, phloem composed of tangential blocks of gelatinous fibres, 50μm wide secretory cannals, cortex has four or five layers of parenchymatous cells and abundant prismatic 5μm wide calcium oxalate crystals in the ground parenchyma. The obtained parameters will be of great help in the authentication and standardization of the drug.