Pharmacognostic characterization of Dicleptera chinensis by scanning electron microscopy, light microscopy, and analytical techniques.

Dicleptera chinensis J. (Acanthaceae) has been employed in traditional medicinal systems for treating various ailments. It has been used as an anti-inflammatory, wound healing, diuretic, and detoxifying agent in different regions of the world. This study determines several pharmacognostic standards, which are useful to ensure safety, efficacy, and purity of D. chinensis. Different parts of the plant were examined through a scanning electron microscope and light microscope, and cross-section images revealed several useful botanical features of the plant. The color, size, odor, shape, and surface characteristics of plant parts were also examined macroscopically. Pharmacognostic standardization parameters including ash values, loss on drying, swelling index, hemolytic index, and foaming index were determined in accordance with WHO guidelines. Heavy metal analysis was executed through atomic absorption spectrophotometer which depicted the presence of heavy metals and trace elements within the acceptable range. Qualitative phytochemical tests for alkaloids, flavonoids, saponins, glycosides, tannins, carbohydrates, lipids, protein, and so forth of plant extract were also performed, which showed the valuable amount of these phytochemicals useful for medicinal purposes. Preliminary phytochemical tests provide an indication for major phytoconstituents classes present in the plant. These quantitative and qualitative microscopic features are helpful in establishing the pharmacopeia standards of plant. Assessment of various pharmacognostic features such as morphology of various plant parts explained along with physicochemical and phytochemical analysis could be very helpful for future research. RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS: Pharmacognostic standardization is employed as reported evidence for correct identification of D. chinensis. Structures identified by scanning electron microscopy and light microscopy serve as diagnostic features of plant. Important secondary metabolites present in the plant suggest the need for further exploration through advanced metabolomics and other analytical techniques.