Pharmacognostic and Phytochemical Studies on Momordica charantia L.

Abstract

Context: Momordica charantia (Cucurbitaceae) fruit bark and leaves are used for various conditions of ailments in traditional
systems of medicine since ancient times. Objectives:This study is designed to lay down the various pharmacognostic and
phytochemical standards which will be helpful to ensure the purity, safety, and efficacy of this medicinal plant.
Methodology:Various methods including macroscopic, microscopic, physicochemical, and phytochemical methods were applied
to determine the diagnostic features for the identification and standardization of intact and powdered drug of Momordica
charantia fruit. Results:The shape, size, color, odor, surface characteristics were determined for the intact drug and powdered
materials of fruit of M. Charantia. Light and electron microscope images of cross-section of leaf and powdered microscopy
revealed useful diagnostic features. Histochemical, phytochemical, physicochemical including fluorescence analysis of powdered
drug proved useful to differentiate the powdered drug material. Conclusion:The data generated from this study would be of help
in the authentication of various parts of M. Charantia, an important constituent of various herbal drug formulations. The
qualitative and quantitative microscopic features would prove useful for laying down pharmacopoeial standards. Morphology as
well as various pharmacognostic aspects of different parts of the plant were studied and have been described here along with
phytochemical, physicochemical studies, which will help in authentication and quality control.