Search for macro- and microscopic markers from genuine fruits of piper species and its adulterants.

Abstract

Medicinal plants play a very important role in the treatment of various diseases but usually their authenticity and standards are lacking, inspite of their prime importance to generate some microscopic markers which help in the identification, characterization, quality, efficacy and safety of the herbal drugs. Therefore, the present paper deals with pharmacognostic characters of Piper nigrum, Linn. and its adulterants-Carica papaya Linn.(Caricaceae), Lantana camara Linn. (Verbenaceae) and Embelia ribes Burm.( Myrsinaceae). Although macroscopically genuine samples and their adulterants are some how similar but peculiar pharmacognostic studies revealed that the microscopic markers are the best tools for accurate identification of P. nigrum from its adulterants even in powdered form.

Keywords: Piper nigrum, Adulterants, Fruits, Pharmacognostic evaluation and Markers

Nigerian Journal of Natural Products and Medicine Vol. 11 2007 pp. 15-22