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Indian Journal of Traditional Knowledge
Vol. 7(4), October 2008, pp. 529-541
Pharmacognostical studies on Sankhapushpi (Convolvulus microphyllus Sieb. ex
Spreng. and Evolvulus alsinoides (L.) L.
V Madhavan1, S N Yoganarasimhan
1* & M R Gurudeva
2
1M S Ramaiah College of Pharmacy, Bangalore; 2V V Pura College of Science, Bangalore 560 054
E-mail: dr_yogan@yahoo.co.in
Received 4 January 2007; revised 22 June 2007
Sankhapushpi is an important drug used in Ayurvedic system of medicine. It is considered as one of the controversial
drugs in Ayurveda since more than one botanical source is assigned to the drug. To facilitate correct and easy identification
of the drug, pharmacognostical studies covering morphology, macro- and microscopical studies and physico-chemical
analysis along with diagnostic characters on two sources - Convolvulus microphyllus and Evolvulus alsinoides is presented.
The study helps in the standardization of the drug.
Keywords: Sankhapushpi, Convolvulus microphyllus, Evolvulus alsinoides, Pharmacognostical characters, Phytochemical
analysis
IPC Int. Cl.8: A61K36/00, A61P25/00, A61P25/08
Sankhapushpi is an important popular Ayurvedic drug
used to improve intelligence, memory and other
higher mental functions. It is also used as an
ingredient in formulations used in the management of
diseases like psychosis (unmada), epilepsy
(apasmara) and like conditions where mental or brain
activities are affected1. It is included as a Medhya
drug in the treatises of Ayurveda like Carakasamhita,
Susrutasamhita and Ashtanga Hridaya2-4
. Some of the
other therapeutic properties of the drug include
improvement in voice, general strength, virility, tissue
building, insomnia, skin disorders/sepsis, worm
infestation and abdominal disorders1. The popular
Ayurvedic formulations where Sankhapushpi is
included as one of the ingredients are Brahma
rasayana, Jeevanyadi ghrita, Brahmi ghrita, Vachadi
ghrita, Naladi ghrita and Agastya rasayana to
mention a few1. Like many other Ayurvedic drugs,
Sankhapushpi is also considered as one of the
controversial drugs since more than one botanical
source is mentioned and used by the Ayurvedic
physicians in various parts of the country5.
Convolvulus microphyllus Sieb. ex Spreng. (Convol-
vulaceae); Evolvulus alsinoides (L.) L. (Convolvu-
laceae); Clitorea ternatea L. (Papilionaceae) and
Canscora diffusa L. (Gentianaceae) are used as
Sankhapuspi 1,5,6
. Out of the above taxa, Convolvulus
microphyllus is exclusively used in North India;
Clitoria ternatea and Evolvulus alsinoides in South
India while Canscora diffusa is predominantly used in
Eastern India, particularly West Bengal5,6
. C. micro-
phyllus is considered as the accepted source7. The
work aims to contribute towards solving the problem
of controversial drugs prevalent in Ayurveda besides
helping in laying down pharmacopoeial standards. A
detailed account on this drug particularly incorpo-
rating the macerate elements, supported by computer
images as observed under microscope help in the
identification. Literature review revealed that such
work is not available and hence the attempt was
made8,9
.
Methodology Convolvulus microphyllus was collected from the
vicinity of Patiala, Punjab while Evolvulus alsinoides
was collected from the surroundings of Tirunelveli,
Tamil Nadu. The voucher herbarium specimens and
crude drug samples are preserved at the herbarium
and museum of Regional Research Institute (Ay),
Bangalore (RRCBI). Botanical identification of the
taxa was carried out using available literature10-15
. The
pharmacognostical evaluation was carried out by
taking free hand sections. Macro- and microscopical
investigations, histochemical tests and maceration ____________
* Corresponding author
INDIAN J TRADITIONAL KNOWLEDGE, VOL. 7, No. 4, OCTOBER 2008
530
were carried out following standard methods
(Tables 1-8)16-18
. The photomicrographs were taken
using Leitz Dialux-22 stereo binocular microscope
with wild photo automat equipment. The ts of C.
microphyllus leaf was drawn and physico-chemical
constants were determined19-21
. For chromatographic
and fluorescence studies, the drugs were sieved
through 60 mesh and analyzed22, 23
.
Results and discussion
Convolvulus microphyllus Sieb. ex Spreng., Syst.
Veg. 1: 611. 1824; Wt., Ic. t. 1367. 1850; Cl. in Hk.f.,
Fl. Brit. India 4: 218. 1883. C. pluricaulis Choisy,
Mem. Soc. Phys. Genev. 6: 477.1834; Cl. in Hk.f., Fl.
Brit. India 4: 218.1883 (Fig. 1).
Perennial herbs, procumbent, prostrate or suberect.
Stems suffruticose basally, 15 to 50 cm long, softly
hairy or ferrugineously pilose. Leaves 1.5-6×3 - 6 cm,
linear-oblong or oblong-lanceolate, subsessile, hairy,
radical leaves larger and spathulate. Flowers 1-3
together, subsessile on short flowering branches.
Calyx lobes ovate, subequal, 3 outer slightly broader
than inner 2, densely brownish-silky. Corolla funnel-
shaped, pinkish white, more or less twice as long as
the calyx, with brown hairy bands without and with a
Table 2−Total Ash and Extractive values
Values Convolvulus Evolvulus
microphyllus alsinoides
Total ash (% ww) 5.66 5.60
Acid insoluble ash (% ww) 0.94 0.86
Water soluble ash (% ww) 1.78 1.99
Alcohol soluble (%) 8.64 7.26
Water soluble (%) 13.18 12.20
tuft of hairs at the apex of each lobe. Stamens equal.
Ovary glabrous, on a cup-shaped disc; stigma
filiform. Capsule globose, 3 mm long, smooth; seeds
4. Herbarium specimen examined:
R R Rao 8332 (RRCBI), in flowering and fruiting
condition.
Part Used: Whole plant (root, stem, leaf).
Macroscopical characters The drug material consists of a major portion of
stem and leaves and a small portion of root along with
inflorescence consisting of flowers and fruits (Fig. 2).
The fresh drug is greenish-white, while that preserved
for a longer time appears brownish. The tap root is
about 20 cm long, tortuous or straight and is without
lateral branches. Resin exudes from the freshly cut
Table 1−Histochemical tests
Parts Treatment Test for Reaction Result
C. microphyllus E. alsinoides C. m. E. a.
Iodine solution Starch Blue colour (cortex) Blue colour (cortex) ++ +
Ferric chloride soln Tannin Black colour Black colour ++ +
Sudan III soln Oil globules No change No change - -
Con Hcl Crystals (square
type in E.a.)
No change Effervescence observed - ++
Root
Pinch of
phloroglucinol +
dil HCl + alcohol
Lignin Vessel takes magenta colour Xylem takes magenta
colour
++ ++
Iodine solution Starch Blue colour (pith + cortex) Blue colour
(pith + cortex)
++ ++
Ferric chloride soln Tannin Black colour Black colour ++ ++
Sudan III soln. Oil globules No change No change - -
Con HCl Crystals No change No change - -
Stem
Pinch of
phloroglucinol +
dil Hcl + alcohol
Lignin Magenta colour (vessels, fibres
& stone cells)
Magenta colour (xylem
+ phloem fibre)
++ ++
Iodine solution Starch Blue colour (pith + cortex) Blue colour + +
Ferric chloride soln Tannin Black colour Tannin + +
Sudan III soln. Oil globules No change No change - -
Con Hcl Crystals No change No change - -
Leaves
Pinch of
phloroglucinol +
dil HCl + alcohol
Lignin Magenta colour (vessels) Magenta colour (xylem) ++ ++
++ abundantly present; + scantily present; - absent. C. m. – Convolvulus microphyllus; E. a. – Evolvulus alsinoides
MADHAVAN et al.: PHARMACOGNOSTICAL STUDIES ON SANKHAPUSHPI
531
surface. The stem measures 6 to 8 cm long, densely
silky-white hairy, exhibits hollow pith. Leaves are
simple, entire, alternate, tapering below, pentasti-
chous, almost sessile, appressed to the stem, oblong;
nerves 3 to 4, lateral. Fracture splintery, odourless and
tasteless. Flowers are small in size, found in groups of
2 to 3, axillary, bracteolate; bracts hairy. Calyx
persistent, enclosing the dry capsule. Corolla pinkish,
shrunk in dry stage. Fruit a capsule, dehiscing
terminally. Seeds are black, plano-convex, shining,
about 2 mm diameter, faintly ridged on the convex
surface.
Microscopical characters A transverse section of the root shows a circular
wavy outline rupturing at intervals (Figs 3-6). The
outermost layer of cork is made up of 5-6 layers of
thin walled tangentially elongated cells measuring 20-
30-35×45-75-1OO µ. Cork cambium is 4-6 layered,
parenchymatous, measuring 50-90-100×40-50-60µ.
This is followed by a many-layered inner cortex, cells
measure 60-90-105×50-60-90µ; some cortical cells
are resiniferous. Endodermis and pericycle are
indistinct. Secondary phloem is many layered,
consisting of thin walled resiniferous parenchymatous
cells, measuring 25-50-60×20-30-40µ. Starch grains
are simple, sparsely distributed. Xylem consists of
vessels, tracheids and xylem fibres and measure 40-
50-60×30-40-50µ. Intraxylary parenchymatous tissue
is present. Medullary rays are multiseriate, rarely 4-
seriate, divaricate towards the periphery of the
phloem and measure 50-75-90×25-50-60µ. Pith cells
are parenchymatous, resiniferous, measuring 40-60-
75 × 25-40-60µ.
Macerate elements consists of parenchyma cells
which are linear, measuring 60-90-100×40-50-60µ
(Fig. 7); cork cells which are thick walled,
rectangular, tanniferous measuring 25-45-50×30-50-
100µ (Figs.8,9); resiniferous cells, which are long,
filled with resin (Fig.10); fibres which are spindle
shaped and pitted, measuring 50-75-100×25-50-75µ
(Figs 11-13); tracheids with blunt ends and bordered
pits (Fig. 14); xylem parenchyma with rectangular
cells and with pitted walls measuring 60-90-100×40-
50-60µ (Fig. 15); vessels of various size and shape,
some with drawn out ends, some barrel shaped and
with bordered pits measuring 15-150-175×50-75-90µ
(Figs 16-21).
Table 3−Fluorescence studies of whole plant powder
Treatment Visible rays UV rays (254 mµ) UV rays (365 mµ)
C. m. E. a. C. m. E. a. C. m. E. a.
Powder as such Dsg gg dsyg Byg Dyg Yg
In methanol Dsg Dgg Yg Byg Dyr Dyr
In methanolic NaOH Syg Byg Bgy Byg Bsb Db
Ethanol Syg Dgg Bgy Byg Dcd Dcryt
In ethanolic NaOH Syg Byg Bgy Byg Bsb Db
In dil HCl Syg Dgg Gl Dyg Dgg Dgg
Abbreviations: Dsg – dull straw green; Gg – greyish green; Dsyg – dull straw yellowish green; Byg – bright yellowish green; Dyg –
dull yellowish green; Yg – yellowish green; Dgg – dull greyish green; Dyr – dull yellowish red; Dl – dull lilac; Syg – Straw yellowish
green; Bgy – bright greenish yellow; Bsb – bright sky blue; Db – dirty blue; Dcd – dull crimson red; Dcryt – dull crimson red with
yellow tinge; Gl – greenish yellow. C.m.- Convolvulus microphyllus; E.a.- Evolvulus alsinoides.
Table 4−Successive Solvent Extraction values
Extractive values in %
Species Pet. Ether 60-800 C Benzene Chloroform Acetone Alcohol Water
Convolvulus microphyllus 4.03 1.39 0.85 1.02 9.60 16.87
Evolvulus alsinoides 3.79 1.47 0.97 1.28 4.47 12.71
Table 5-Organic analysis (ethanolic extract)
Constitutent Convolvulus s Evolvulus
microphyllu alsinoides
Alkaloids Present Present
Carbohydrates Present Present
Phytosterols Present Present
Phenolic compounds Present Present
Tannins Present Present
Saponins Present Present
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532
A transverse section of the stem is circular in
outline with trichomes and stomata found distributed
here and there (Figs 22-26). The outermost layer,
epidermis is covered by a thick cuticle and is made up
of a single layer of rectangular cells containing tannin
and measuring 40-60-75×25-50-60µ. Trichomes are
of 2 types -ordinary -measuring 50-150-250×10-15-
17.5µ and glandular measuring 25-30-40×15-20-25µ.
Next to the epidermis is the cortex, which is many
layered. The cells are parenchymatous, the first 7-8
layers contain pigments and measure 25-30-50×15-
25-45µ. The layers next to the epidermis consist of
loosely arranged cells appearing like palisade while
the other layers consists of isodiametric cells
measuring 30-45-65×25-40-60µ. Starch grains are
simple, present in the cortical cells. Endodermis is 1-
layered made up of barrel shaped cells measuring 15-
25-30×10-20-28µ. Pericycle consists of 1-2 layers of
sclerenchymatous cells with narrow lumen measuring
10-15-35×5-10-25µ. Stele is amphiphloic siphono-
stele with phloem cells found on either side and
measuring 15-25-35×10-20-30µ. Xylem consists of
radial rows of vessels measuring 25-60-75×20-50-
60µ, tracheids, fibres and medullary rays, which are
mostly uniseriate, sometimes biseriate and measuring
25-38-60×20-25-45µ. Pith is large, degenerating,
consisting of isodiametric thin walled pitted cells
measuring 20-50-75×15-25-60µ.
Macerate of the stem exhibited fibres, parenchyma
cells and vessels (Fig. 27); parenchyma cells,
trichome base and rubiaceous stomata (Fig. 28);
Trichomes which are unarmed, unicellular measuring
50-125-225×10-20-25µ and glandular measuring 30-
35-40×15-25-30µ (Figs 29,30); parenchyma cells
which are rectangular and globose (Figs 31,32);
palisade cells (Fig.33); stone cells with narrow lumen
measuring 55-60-90×30-45-60µ (Figs 34,35); fibres
with tapering or slit-like ends measuring 75-100-
150×20-30-35µ (Figs 36-38); xylem parenchyma cells
measuring 60-75-100×40-50-60µ (Fig.39); tracheids
Table 6−Rf values in different systems (aqueous extracts) (UV long wave)
Treatment Convolvulus microphyllus Evolvulus alsinoides
Spot Colour Rf value Spot Colour Rf value
1 Brown 0.21 1 Brown 0.25
2 Blue 0.38 2 Brown 0.37
3 L.blue 0.46 3 Buff 0.52
4 L.green 0.61 4 Brown 0.57
5 Buff 0.67 5 L.green 0.61
6 G.blue 0.78 6 L.blue 0.81
7 Blue 0.88 7 Blue 0.90
8 Brown 0.92 8 - -
Solvent system: Ethyl acetate-
Methanol-Water (100:13.5:10)
9 Orange 0.99 9 - -
1 G.brown 0.20 1 G.brown 0.26
2 G.blue 0.50 2 L.green 0.50
3 Gy.brown 0.64 3 G.brown 0.63
4 Blue 0.82 4 L.green 0.76
5 Red 0.87 5 Blue 0.84
Solvent system: n-butanol:Glacial
acetic acid-Water (50:10:40)
6 - - 6 Red 0.92
1 Blue 0.23 1 Blue 0.33
2 Brown 0.29 2 Green 0.40
3 Blue 0.36 3 Cream 0.51
4 L.green 0.45 4 Blue 0.90
5 L.green 0.59 5 Orange 0.99
6 L.green 0.84 6 - -
7 Blue 0.90 7 - -
Solvent system: Chloroform-Methanol
(85:15)
8 Orange 0.99 8 - -
Abbreviations: L. blue – light blue; L. green – light green; G. brown – greenish brown; G. blue – greenish blue; Gy. Brown – greyish
brown
MADHAVAN et al.: PHARMACOGNOSTICAL STUDIES ON SANKHAPUSHPI
533
which are pitted measuring 25-40-60×20-35-50µ
(Fig. 40); vessels of various size and shape with
bordered opposite pits, some with drawn out ends,
some with spiral thickenings measuring 50-75-100×
20-30-40µ (Figs 41-44).
A transverse section of the leaf shows upper and
lower epidermis with rectangular cells measuring 40-
60-75×25-50-60µ, both covered by striated cuticle
(Figs 45,46). Trichomes of glandular type measuring
25-30-40×15-20-25µ and simple type measuring 50-
150-250×10-15-18µ are found on both surfaces of the
epidermis. Stomata are of rubiaceous type, found on
both surfaces, having a stomatal ratio of 4-8-12 on
upper side and 8-12-15 on lower side. In the midrib
region below the upper epidermis is a layer of
collenchyma followed by ground tissue. A single
layer of palisade like cells measuring 45-60-75×30-
40-60µ are found next to the lower epidermis, which
extends to the laminar region; the palisade ratio varies
from 6-10-18. Next to this, 1 layer of collenchyma is
found. The vien islet number varies from 5-8-9. The
vascular bundle is collateral. Lamina exhibits
dorsiventral nature, with a layer of palisade cells on
either side of spongy parenchyma. The spongy
parenchyma cells are closely packed. In the fresh leaf
calcium oxalate crystals are found abundantly along
the veins; however they were not observed in the dry
drug.
Macerate elements consists of parenchyma cells
measuring 15-20-40×10-15-25µ (Fig. 47); trichomes
which are unicellular measuring 50-125-220×10-20-
25µ (Fig. 48); epidermal peel showing trichome base
Table 7−Rf values in different systems (alcoholic extracts) (UV long wave)
Treatment Convolvulus microphyllus Evolvulus alsinoides
Spot Colour Rf value Spot Colour Rf value
1 Brown 0.26 1 Green 0.16
2 Blue 0.41 2 Brown 0.30
3 Buff 0.45 3 Brown 0.41
4 Blue 0.49 4 Brown 0.52
5 Brown 0.62 5 Red 0.61
6 G.brown 0.66 6 Gy.blue 0.64
7 Red 0.71 7 Red 0.69
8 Blue 0.81 8 Red 0.76
9 Red 0.99 9 Red 0.81
10 - - 10 Blue 0.92
Solvent system: Ethyl acetate-
Methanol-Water (100:13.5:10)
11 - - 11 Red 0.99
1 Blue 0.52 1 G.blue 0.37
2 Brown 0.54 2 L.green 0.49
3 Brown 0.67 3 G.brown 0.55
4 Blue 0.81 4 G.brown 0.68
5 Red 0.90 5 Brown 0.82
Solvent system: n-butanol:Glacial
acetic acid-Water (50:10:40)
- - - 6 Red 0.90
1 Green 0.13 1 G.yellow 0.13
2 Green 0.15 2 Red 0.18
3 Br.yellow 0.38 3 Yellow 0.37
4 L.blue 0.45 4 Blue 0.59
5 L.blue 0.52 5 Cream 0.78
6 L.blue 0.61 6 L.red 0.83
7 L.blue 0.69 7 Orange 0.89
8 Cream 0.79 8 Cream 0.92
9 Blue 0.87 9 Orange 0.94
10 G.blue 0.91 10 - -
Solvent system: Chloroform-Methanol
(95:5)
11 Orange 0.95 11 - -
Abbreviations: L. blue – light blue;L. green – light green; L. red – light red; Gy. blue – greyish blue; G. brown – greenish brown;
G. blue – greenish blue; G. yellow – greenish yellow; Br. yellow – brownish yellow.
INDIAN J TRADITIONAL KNOWLEDGE, VOL. 7, No. 4, OCTOBER 2008
534
measuring 50-60-90×20-30-45µ and rubiaceous
type of stomata measuring 15-25-30×10-20-25µ
(Figs 49,50); thin walled parenchyma cells (Fig. 51);
palisade cells (Fig. 52); vessels with helical
thickenings measuring 20-25-30×15-20-25µ (Fig. 53).
The powdered drug sieved through 100 mesh
showed the presence of starch grains, pollen grains,
leaf bits, bracts, floral parts, trichomes, bits of
epidermis from both stem and leaves. The pollen
grains have 3 wing-like appendages. Prisms of
calcium oxalate crystals are found in the floral parts,
but not in the leaf bits. Xylem parenchyma with pitted
cells is also found.
The sections of root, stem and leaves when treated
with iodine gave a blue colour indicating the presence
of starch; with ferric chloride solution, a black colour
was observed showing the presence of tannin; with
Sudan III solution, no change was observed indicating
the absence of oil globules; with con. Hydrochloric
acid, no effervescence was observed indicating the
absence of crystals; with a pinch of phloroglucinol
and dilute hydrochloric acid and alcohol, vessels in
the root and leaf, vessels, fibres and stone cells in
stem gave a majenta colour showing the presence of
lignin respectively.
Diagnostic characters Resiniferous cells in the root; spindle shaped fibres
in the root; rubiaceous stomata in the stem; pericycle
made up of 1 to 2 layers of sclerenchyma in the stem;
trichomes which are unarmed, glandular and uni or
multicellular in the stem and leaf; pith with
conspicuous pits; presence of intraxylary parenchy-
matous tissue in the root; leaf with pigmented
palisade like layer on the lower side in the midrib
region, extending to the laminar region.
Evolvulus alsinoides (L.) L., Sp. PI. ed. 2, 392.
1762; Cl. in Hk.f, FI. Brit. India 4: 220. 1883;
Gamble, FI. Pres. Madras 648. 1967 (repr. ed.).
Convolvulus alsinoides L., Sp. Pl. 157. 1753 (Figs 54,
55). Prostrate spreading silky herbs with woody
rootstock. Leaves to 1×0.5 cm, simple, alternate,
oblanceolate or lanceolate. Flowers blue, solitary or in
3-flowered cymes. Calyx lobes acute. Corolla rotate.
Stamens 5. Fruit a capsule, globose.
Herbarium specimen examined: K R Keshava-
murthy 4333 (RRCBI), collected in flowering and
fruiting condition.
Parts used: whole plant (root, stem, leaf).
The whole plant constituting the drug consists of
intact whole plant, pieces of branches with leaves and
Table 8−Rf values in different systems (acetone extracts) (UV long wave)
Treatment Convolvulus microphyllus Evolvulus alsinoides
Spot Colour Rf value Spot Colour Rf value
1 Green 0.29 1 G.brown 0.38
2 Green 0.40 2 L.green 0.48
3 G.blue 0.42 3 Cream 0.63
4 G.brown 0.48 4 G.brown 0.70
5 G.brown 0.54 5 Red 0.84
Solvent system: n-butanol:Glacial
acetic acid-Water (50:10:40)
6 Red 0.83 - -
1 B.green 0.11 1 Green 0.11
2 L.orange 0.12 2 Orange 0.12
3 B.green 0.17 3 Orange 0.19
4 L.orange 0.19 4 Cream 0.23
5 L.g.blue 0.25 5 L.orange 0.37
6 G. blue 0.31 6 Cream 0.49
7 Y.orange 0.44 7 Lb.green 0.65
8 L.blue 0.51 8 Lb.green 0.74
9 L.blue 0.66 9 Cream 0.86
10 L.blue 0.72 10 Orange 0.95
11 L.blue 0.85 11 - -
Solvent system: Chloroform-Methanol
(95:5)
12 Orange 0.93 12 - -
Abbreviations: b. Green – bluish green; L. blue – light blue; L.green – Light green; G. brown – greenish brown; B. green – bluish
green; G. blue – greenish blue; L.orange – light orange; Lg.blue – light greenish blue; Y.orange – yellowish orange; Lb.green – light
bluish green.
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MADHAVAN et al.: PHARMACOGNOSTICAL STUDIES ON SANKHAPUSHPI
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seeds, roots and dehisced capsule (Fig. 56). The
branches are very slender, cylindrical, hairy pubescent
with leaf scars. Root smooth, light brown, 10 to 12 cm
long, gradually tapering with many, very slender
lateral roots, odourless and tasteless. Fracture
splintery. Leaves are found appressed to the stem,
alternate, elliptic-oblong, younger whitish-pubescent,
entire, mucronulate, estipulate. Flowers bluish,
axillary, solitary, bracteate. Calyx persistent,
enclosing the dehisced capsule. Capsule globose,
brownish. Seeds many, plano-concave, with a small
triangular scar on one side, reticulately veined.
Microscopical characters
A transverse section of root shows a circular
outline (Figs 57-59). It exhibits 1-2 layers of thick
walled cork, the cells measuring 20-45-50×60-90-
110µ followed by 3 to 6 layers of cortex with cells
measuring 35-50-60×45-60-70µ. Cork cambium is 1-
layered, thin walled, cells measuring 20-25-40×40-50-
60µ. A few cortical cells are resiniferous; oil globules
are also found in a few cells. Endodermis is distinct,
single layered, made up of polygonal thick walled
cells. Stele consists of xylem and phloem; xylem cells
measure 40-70-90×30-45-40µ; phloem cells are thin
walled measuring 10.5-12.5-15×20-40-45µ, contain
starch grains, which are either isolated or in groups
and measure 25-30-40µ (diameter). Wood is made up
of secondary xylem arranged in rows. Medullary rays
are uniseriate, cells measuring 30-40-75×10-15-20µ,
contain simple starch grains.
Macerate exhibits thin walled parenchyma cells
measuring 30-45-50×25-40-45µ (Fig. 60); xylem
parenchyma which are thin walled and pitted (Fig.
61); fibres which are long and with tapering ends,
measuring 160-200-360×8-12-20µ (Figs. 62-64);
tracheids which are spindle shaped, pitted, measuring
60-160-200×8-12-16µ (Fig. 65); vessels of various
size and shape, cylindrical, narrow, with pitted
thickenings, some barrel shaped, some with drawn out
ends, measuring 80-120-200×8-12-20µ (Figs 66-72);
simple starch grains measuring 20-30-40µ (diameter)
are also found.
A transverse section of stem exhibits circular
outline (Figs 73-75). Epidermis is 1-layered, made up
of barrel shaped cells measuring 20-25-40×35-50-
75µ. From the epidermal cells emerge trichomes of
ordinary and glandular type. Next to the epidermis
lies the cortex which is 3 to 4-layered; cortical cells
are parenchymatous, measuring 25-40-60×40-75-90µ;
hypodermal parenchyma cells contain chloroplasts.
Endodermis is 1-layered, followed by a ring of stone
INDIAN J TRADITIONAL KNOWLEDGE, VOL. 7, No. 4, OCTOBER 2008
540
cells constituting the pericycle; pericycle cells
measure 5-25-35×5-28-40µ. Next to the pericycle is
the secondary phloem, cells measuring 15-20-
25×10.5-15-30µ and secondary xylem which are
multi layered, cells measuring 25-30-35×30-35-40µ.
Cambium is thin walled, found in between xylem and
phloem. Xylem is characteristically arranged in radial
rows. Medullary rays are uniseriate, thin walled, cells
measuring 35-40-80×15-20-30µ. Pith is parenchy-
matous. Simple starch grains are found in the cortex
and pith, they measure 10-20-15µ (diameter).
Following elements were observed after maceration:
epidermal cells which are barrel shaped, measuring
28-40-60×20-32-36µ, compactly arranged, with
trichome base and rubiaceous stomata (Figs. 76-78);
parenchyma cells (Figs.79,80); thick walled stone
cells in groups (Fig. 81); trichomes of ordinary type
with a broad base measuring 40-100-120x8-12-20µ
(Fig. 82); fibres are spindle shaped, pitted, with
narrow ends measuring 200-280-340×12-16-20µ
(Figs 83-85); xylem parenchyma cells, measuring 40-
60-80×20-48-50µ which are thin walled and with
pitted thickenings (Figs. 86,87); vessels which are
slender, narrow, with spiral and pitted thickenings
measuring measuring 60-100-140×10-16-20µ
(Figs 88-90).
A transverse section of the leaf shows typical
dorsiventral condition (Figs 91-93). The upper and
lower epidermis is well defined; the upper epidermis
cells measure 15-20-30×20-15-35µ while the lower
epidermis cells measure 20-30-40×10-20-25µ.
Trichomes and glandular hairs are present on both
surfaces; the simple hair cells measure 200-400-
475×15-20-25µ while the glandular hair cells measure
25-40-96×15-25-30µ. Stomata are of rubiaceous type,
found on both surfaces. The stomatal index for the
lower surface is 5-10-15µ.Trichomes consists of a
basal cell, a stalk cell and a terminal cell. Basal cell is
circular in outline and belongs to the epidermis. The
terminal cell is forked into 2 unequal arms at the base;
the arms lie horizontally. Glandular hair consists of a
basal cell, a small stalk cell and an ellipsoid
multicellular head cell. Head cell at first is unicellular,
turning multicellular at a later stage. The cells
carrying the ordinary trichome are well raised above
the others and that with the glandular is slightly sunk.
The upper epidermis is followed by a few layers of
collenchyma at midrib region, cells measuring 15-20-
30×20-15-35µ. The mesophyll consists of palisade
parenchyma cells measuring 35-45-65×10-20-25µ and
spongy parenchyma cells measuring 15-3540×10-15-
25µ; the spongy parenchyma cells are oval, angular,
pigmented, closely packed with air spaces near the
stomata. Secretory cells are found here and there in
the middle of the mesophyll. Rosette type of calcium
oxalate crystals are found in some cells. The bundle
ends are characteristic. Vascular bundle of the lateral
vein, unlike that of the midrib is collateral, closed and
surrounded by a parenchymatous bundle sheath which
contains less number of plastids than the mesophyll
cells. Xylem cells measure 10-15-20µ in diameter
while the phloem cells measure 15-25-0-15-20µ. The
palisade ratio is 6-8-12µ while the vein islet ratio is 8-
10-15µ. Calcium oxalate crystals are found
abundantly in clusters along the veins. Macerate
consists of epidermal peeling with trichome base and
rubiaceous stomata, epedermial cells measuring 35-
50-60×25-40-45µ (Figs. 94-97); stomata are of
rubiaceous type measuring 20-24-28×12-10-12µ;
parenchyma cells measuring 25-35-50×10-15-20µ
(Figs 98,99); trichomes of simple type measuring 50-
75-125×16-20-25µ (Figs 100,101); palisade cells
(Fig 102), vessels with spiral thickenings measuring
50-120-150×20-40-45µ (Figs 103-104).
A fine powder under 60 or 100 mesh of the whole
plant or drug revealed the following: the powder is
greyish-green, odour of dry straw, slightly bitter,
texture smooth and fine. Bits of leaves, floral parts,
seed coats, bracts and capsule were observed along
with spherical pollen and starch grains. The leaf bits
exhibit bundle ends. When boiled with chloral
hydrate, calcium oxalate crystals were found.
Secretory cells and pieces of trichomes were also
observed. The powder when treated with dil.
sulphuric acid and dil. hydrochloric acid gave no
colour reaction, with dil. nitric acid turned brick red,
with warm or cold potassium hydroxide solution in
water plus hot or cold Fehling solution turned
yellowish-green and emerald green respectively,
powder in water did not dissolve but the tannins
dissolved giving brown colour.
The sections of root, stem and leaves of both
species were treated with different reagents for the
presence of starch, tannin, oil globules, crystals and
lignin.
The diagnostic characters of Evolvulus alsinoides
are the characteristic arrangement of xylem in radial
rows in the stem, presence of armed trichomes in the
leaves, secretory cells in the mesophyll and pericycle
made up of a ring of stone cells in the stem.
MADHAVAN et al.: PHARMACOGNOSTICAL STUDIES ON SANKHAPUSHPI
541
Physico-chemical analysis like total ash and
extractive values, fluorescence studies, successive
solvent extractive values, organic analysis and thin
layer chromatographic studies of different extracts
of C. microphyllus and E. alsinoides are presented;
Figs 105-107).
Conclusion The pharmacognostical and phytochemical analysis
carried out with a focus on bringing out diagnostic
characters will be of immense help in the proper
identification and standardization of two botanical
species of the memory enhancing drug Sankhapushpi
mentioned in Ayurveda. It will also help in carrying
out further research and revalidation of its use in
Ayurveda.
Acknowledgement
Authors are thankful to University of Mysosre,
Mysore for permitting to publish this part of the
thesis. Authors are also thankful to the authorities of
RRI (Ay), Bangalore for providing some facilities and
also to the Management of Gokula Education
Foundation and VV Pura College of Science,
Bangalore for extending necessary encouragement to
carry out this work.
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