Microscopic characterization and preliminary Pharmacognostical evaluation of Cryptocoryne retrospiralis (Roxb) Kunth

Cryptocoryne retrospiralis (Roxb) Kunth, locally known as “pakanbhed” in the Vidarbha region of Maharashtra, is a traditionally utilised leafy vegetable, particularly during winter. It thrives in specific habitats, including river edges, sandy soils, and open plateaus. The leaves hold significant value in folk medicine, employed by traditional healers to treat conditions such as diarrhoea, fever, jaundice, burns, boils, cough, and abdominal issues. The current study focuses on the detailed pharmacognostic and anatomical characterization of C. retrospiralis leaves to establish robust identification parameters for both fresh and dried crude drug samples. Macroscopic, microscopic, fluorescence, and phytochemical analyses were conducted, adhering to WHO-recommended standardization methods. Phytochemical screening was performed to determine the presence of phytoconstituents, which revealed the presence of carbohydrates. Alkaloids, flavonoids. Anatomical & Powder microscopy of leaves show paracytic stomata & fluorescence analysis of the crude powder shows fluorescent activity. These comprehensive observations will help to distinguish closely related species of cryptocoryne, and researchers with drug development.