Macroscopic and Microscopic Evaluation of Abrus Precatorius L. (gunja), Seeds

The excessive exploitation of medicinal plants during recent years raises the issues regarding their quality, safety and efficacy. In this respect, there has been a rapid increase in the standardization of medicinal plants with therapeutic potential. In spite of the new techniques, identification and evaluation of plant drugs pharmacognostic study is more cheap and reliable. Abrus precatorius L. of family Fabaceae is native to India and is locally known as Rati. It is widely employed in traditional medicinal systems. The present investigation deals with the macroscopic and microscopic evaluation of the seeds of this species to record the parameters of diagnostic value. Macroscopic studies comprised of shape, size, taste, colour, odour etc. Microscopic studies were done by using trinocular microscope. Anatomy of the seed was studied by taking transverse sections. Such information will be used for further therapeutical and pharmacological evaluation of the species and will also help in maintaining the quality and purity of sample. Moreover, the study would also serve as a valuable tool in drug identification and in ensuring quality formulations. INTRODUCTION: India has a rich heritage of valuable medicinal plants belonging to different families. These plants form the backbone of the traditional system of medicine as these are subjected to formulate useful medicines in different traditional systems like Ayurveda, Unani, Siddha and Chinese system of medicine. Despite the availability of modern medicine, the indigenous or traditional medicine retained their status and gained importance in the field of medicine during recent times particularly in developing countries for cultural and historic reasons.