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Journal of Pharmacognosy and Phytochemistry
Peer Reviewed Journal

Journal of Pharmacognosy and Phytochemistry

Vol. 5, Issue 3 (2016)

Pharmacognostic studies of the leaves and seeds of Cassia occidentalis (Linn.) (Leguminosae)

Author(s):

Isaac Kingsley Amponsah, Abraham Yeboah Mensah, Elikplim Kwesi Ampofo, Samuel Oppong Bekoe, Francis Mainoo Sarpong and Yakubu Jibira

Abstract:
Cassia occidentalis is used in Ghana mainly for the management of hypertension. The aim of the present studies was to establish standardization parameters for the authentication and quality control of the leaf and seeds of Cassia occidentalis. The macromorphological, qualitative and quantitative features, physicochemical, phytochemical and some spectroscopic features of the medicinally used parts were evaluated using standard methods. The plant was found to be a glaborous herb with compound pinnate leaves. It has 6-8 pairs of leaflets. The leaflets are broadly lanceolate to ovate, with an acute apex and possessing a gland near the base of the leaf rachis. The seeds are ovoid about 4 mm long flattened with a smooth and hard testa. It is amphistomatic with anomocytic stomata. The quantitative indices of the leaf and physicochemical parameters have also been established. A 0.5% ethanol extract of the leaves and seeds showed characteristic UV maxima which may be invaluable in its identification. The pharmacognostic features established in this study may be used as part of a pharmacopoeial standard for the correct identification and quality control of Cassia occidentalis.

Pages: 250-255  |  5316 Views  2776 Downloads


Journal of Pharmacognosy and Phytochemistry Journal of Pharmacognosy and Phytochemistry
How to cite this article:
Isaac Kingsley Amponsah, Abraham Yeboah Mensah, Elikplim Kwesi Ampofo, Samuel Oppong Bekoe, Francis Mainoo Sarpong and Yakubu Jibira. Pharmacognostic studies of the leaves and seeds of Cassia occidentalis (Linn.) (Leguminosae). J Pharmacogn Phytochem 2016;5(3):250-255.

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