Pharmacognostic Evaluation of Momordica dioica Fruit

Author: Subhashchandra K. Patel, Hirenkumar R. Chaudhary and Tejal R. Gandhi

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Abstract

The purpose of this study was to determine the pharmacognostic profile of Momordica dioica (MD) fruit in accordance with World Health Organization recommendations to ensure the purity, safety, and efficacy of this medicinal plant. The macroscopic and microscopic properties of the focus plant were examined as standardization parameters. Preliminary phytochemical screening was performed on petroleum ether and methanol extracts. The extracts were also utilized to analyze total phenol and flavonoid levels as well as a Thin Layer Chromatography analysis. The fruit of plants displayed helpful diagnostic traits in terms of shape, size, color, odor, surface properties, and microscopic pictures. The results showed that the amounts of total ash, acid-insoluble ash, and water-soluble ash were 7.4 ± 0.1% w/w, 2.3 ± 0.1% w/w, and 5.2 ± 0.1% w/w, respectively. The extractive values of ethanol, water, and ether were determined to be 17.8 ± 0.3% w/w, 20.5 ± 0.5% w/w, and 4.1 ± 0.2% w/w, respectively. The loss on drying was 10.23 ± 0.72% w/w, and the foreign matter was 1.0 ± 0.8% w/w. Glycosides, carbohydrates, phenolic substances, flavonoids, alkaloids, terpenoids, proteins, saponins, lipids, steroids, and tannins were all found during the phytochemical screening. The total flavonoid concentration in the methanol extract of MD was discovered to be 125 mg/g of quercetin equivalent, while the total phenol content was determined to be 64 mg/g of gallic acid equivalent. Charantin was detected in methanol extract at Rf 0.45, and a violet spot emerged when compared to the marker. The information obtained from this study will be useful for the authentication of MD fruit and quality control. It would be beneficial to establish pharmacopoeial standards using qualitative and quantitative microscopic features.

Keywords

Momordica dioica, Macroscopy, Microscopy, Preliminary physiochemical screening, Physicochemical parameters

Conclusion

The quality and safety of herbal medications have given rise to various issues, and the Indian herbal business is expanding rapidly. Macroscopy, microscopy, and proximate analysis, among other standardization parameters of Momordica dioica Roxb. fruit examined in the current study, may be used as a quick and precise tool in herbal research for the identification and adulteration of the study herb as well as to set quality standards and specifications for therapeutic safety, efficacy, and shelf-life of herbal drugs.

References

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How to cite this article

Subhashchandra K. Patel, Hirenkumar R. Chaudhary and Tejal R. Gandhi (2023). Pharmacognostic Evaluation of Momordica dioica Fruit. Biological Forum – An International Journal, 15(6): 79-85.