Author(s):

Rani V. S, Bindu R. Nair

Abstract: Eleutherine bulbosa (Iridaceae) is an exotic ornamental plant, native to South America and now naturalized in Kerala and Southern parts of Tamil Nadu. The underground bulbous part of the plant is considered medicinal. The present study attempts to evaluate the pharmacognostical and physicochemical parameters of the underground bulbous part of Eleutherine bulbosa (Miller), Urban. The organoleptic studies of fresh bulbs revealed that the fresh bulb was purplish red in colour with a pungent odour and bitter taste. The microscopic sections showed epidermal cells filled with red shiny liquid and scattered vascular bundles. Some cells in the ground tissue showed the presence of styloid crystals. The different physicochemical parameters evaluated were the moisture content (9.9%) bulk density (0.25gm/mL) tapped density (0.29gm/mL) inter particle porosity (0.64), total ash value (3.12%), water soluble ash value (1.2%) and acid insoluble ash value(9.4%). Hausner ratio (1.188), Carr’s Index (16%) indicated the food flow of the bulb powder. Fluorescence studies of bulb powder showed wide range of colours under visible light, long uv and short uv. These studies will impart the standardization of the bulb in fresh as well as in dry form.

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