MICROSCOPICAL STUDIES ON THE LEAVES OF MOMORDICA CHARANTIA

Abstract

Momordica charantia Linn. is a monoecious plant of the family Cucurbitaceae. It is known to contain various chemical constituents, which has the hypoglycaemic activity. This work reports the microscopical and even the macroscopical features of the leaves of this plant species. Features among which identified were the anomocytic stomata, multicellular covering and glandular trichomes. Physical leaf constants and other chemo-microscopical parameters were also analysed. These features would aid in the identification, and detection of adulteration of this crude drug in due curse.


Key Words: Momordica charantia; Cucurbitaceae; macroscopy; microscopy; chemo-microscopy; physical leaf constants;


Nigerian Journal of Natural Products and Medicine Vol.7 2003: 44-45