Objective:
To evaluate the pharmacognostical and phytochemical
parameters of
Physalis minima
leaf.
Methods:
The leaf of
Physalis minima
was examined for macroscopical, microscopical, phy
sicochemical parameters and fluorescence analysis.
Extracts obtained from the leaf was analyzed for ph
ytochemical screening and estimation of total tanni
n, phenolic and flavonoid content following
the standard procedure available in the literature.
Results:
Morphologically, the leaf was found to be ovate in
shape, 5 to 8 cm long and up to 3 cm width with den
tate margin, asymmetrical base,
hairy surface, reticulate veins on each side of mid
rib, green in colour, characteristic odour and slig
ht bitter in taste. Microscopic study has shown the
important diagnostic characters of Solanaceae famil
y which is characterized by presence of dorsiventra
l leaf with anomocytic stomata, grandular or
uniseriate trichomes and cluster crystal of calcium
oxalate. Physicochemical parameters like foreign o
rganic matter (0.78%), loss on drying
(8.23%), total ash (11.4%), acid insoluble ash (2.2
%), water-soluble ash (6.1%), sulphated ash (2.4%)
alcohol soluble extractive (10.4%), water-
soluble extractive (9.5%), ether soluble extractive
(1.8%) foaming index (below 100), swelling index (
1), volatile oil and heavy metal content were
quantified. Phytochemical analysis of different ext
racts of
Physalis minima
leaf has shown the presence of phytoconstituents v
iz. alkaloids, steroids,
tannin, flavonoids, protein. Quantification of phyt
oconstituents was also reported like phenols (10.59
±
0.65
mg/gm equivalent to tannic acid), tannin
(8.24
±
0.27 mg/gm equivalent to tannic acid) and flavonoid
s (87.17
±
0.87 mg/gm equivalent to rutin) respectively.
Conclusion:
This present study was provided the qualitative and
quantitative standard of
Physalis minima
will help to prevent the possible steps of
adulteration with other
species of the same genus.