Pharmacognostic studies on Pergularia daemia roots

Pergularia daemia (Forsk.) Chiov. (Asclepiadaceae) is used traditionally as an anthelmintic, laxative, antipyretic, and expectorant, and also used to treat malarial intermittent fever. But the scientific parameters are not yet available to identify the true plant material. In the present investigation, various pharmacognostic standards for P. daemia have been established. Microscopically, thick root and thick taproot of P. daemia showed the presence of periderm, secondary phloem and secondary xylem. Abundant starch grains and calcium oxalate crystals are present in the cortical parenchyma masses included within the xylem. Powdered roots of the plant showed vessel elements, tracheids, fibers and xylem parenchyma. Total ash of the root of P. daemia was not more than 5% and water-soluble extractive value was two times higher than alcohol soluble extractive value. Phytochemically, the ethanol and aqueous extracts of the root of P. daemia showed maximum phytochemicals such as alkaloids, glycosides, steroids, flavonoids, saponin, tannin and phenolic compounds, terpenoids, carbohydrates, gums and mucilage. The results of this study should provide a standard for identification and preparation of monograph of this drug.