Pharmacognostic evaluation of Lasimorpha senegalensis schott leaves (Araceae)

Abstract

The leaves of Lasimorpha senegalensis Schott (Araceae) have long been utilized in
conventional medicine to treat conditions like diabetes, inflammation, malaria, oxidative
stress, and fever. However, its properties have not been standardized to prevent
adulteration. The purpose of this research is to determine Lasimorpha senegalensis
Schott's numerous pharmacognostic, physicochemical, and phytochemical parameters.
Fresh leaf samples and dried leaf powder were examined macroscopically and
microscopically. The physicochemical and phytochemical parameters were determined
using the standard methods. Fresh leaves have a unique scent and are dark green in
colour, leathery texture, and acute apex. In addition to lacking trichomes, they have calcium
oxalate crystals, starch grains, xylem, phloem, epidermal cells, and collenchyma cells.
There was no mucilage, but lignin, starch, cellulose, oil globules, and calcium oxalate
crystals were found by chemomicroscopic examination. The physicochemical assessment
showed 9.2 % moisture content, 8.4 % total ash value, 0.9 % acid insoluble ash value, 2.6
% water soluble ash value, 16.5 % water soluble extractive value, and 41.5 % alcohol
soluble extractive value. The qualitative phytochemical test identified tannins, glycosides,
alkaloids, terpenoids, phenols, and flavonoids, as well as trace amounts of steroids,
saponins, and hydrogen cyanides. This study provided valuable insight into the
pharmacognostic standardization of L. senegalensis leaves and can be used to create a
monograph and prevent adulteration of this important leaf plant.