Preliminary Pharmacognostic, Physicochemical and Phytochemical Evaluation of Plumeria Obtuse Seed Pods

Abstract

Plumeria obtuse L. (Apocynaceae) is an ornate outdoor plant. The plant was traditionally used during accidental
injuries. However, the pharmacognosy of this plant is very poorly explored. Therefore, we have conducted this study to assess the distinctive qualities of the P. obtusa. To investigate P. obtusa seed pods’ preliminary pharmacognostic, physical-chemical, phytochemical, microscopic, and phytoconstituent potential. Initially, the shape and microscopic characteristics of plant seed pods were assessed. Physicochemical analysis was used for the standardization. Utilizing several chemical techniques, phytoconstituents were evaluated qualitatively. This was followed by quantitative estimation and analytical profiling of various phytoconstituents. The basic characteristics of the seed pod have been documented by macroscopy to be its brown color, sweet aroma, bitter flavor, coarse texture, and rough fracture. Microscopy showed the existence of vascular bundles, lignified fibers, calcium oxalate crystals and arteries. The results of the physicochemical analysis revealed no foreign organic matter, 2.8 % weight-average moisture content and a high total ash value of 14.80 compared to an acid insoluble ash value of 0.70, which indicated that there was less inorganic matter in the plant. The extractive values were 3.93, 6.03 and 10.16 % w/w for water soluble, alcohol soluble and hydro-alcoholic soluble extracts respectively. Flavonoids, glycosides, saponins, phenolic constituents, tannins and carbohydrates were found during early phytochemical analysis. Instrumental analysis has given an idea about functional groups present whereas GCMS technique helped in identification of phytoconstituents. The results of this study can be significantly used as a reference support for quality control and standardization of P. obtusa and preparation of a monograph of plant.