Morphological and anatomical characterization of Fagopyrum esculentum Moench: a highly used medicinal plant in old and new world

Medicinal plants play a key role in health care with about 80% of the world’s population relying on the use of traditional medicine which is predominantly based on plants and their derivatives. The ASU&H system of medicine has developed a high level of societal acceptance in India as well as across the globe due to its efficacy and cost-effectiveness. Many herbal practitioners use unpurified plant extracts as medicine which contains different constituents. Therefore, the standardization of drugs used in these systems becomes a major concern for health authorities. In the ASU&H system, the plant Fagopyrum esculentum Moench is widely used to treat different ailments like skin diseases, visible pulsation of arteries, fluent coryza increase bile secretion, treating fragile capillaries, chilblains and strengthening varicose veins etc. This study aims to investigate the morpho-anatomical characteristics of Fagopyrum esculentum Moench (Polygonaceae) which is most commonly used in these systems. In the present study, the raw material of Fagopyrum esculentum Moench was examined through macro and microscopically followed by powder microscopy, in which under macroscopical study simple observational methods were applied, for microscopic study both qualitative and quantitative microscopy and powder microscopy was performed followed by the fluorescent analysis of powder drug. The macroscopy revealed the presence of dried small pieces of leaves, petiole and stem in raw material. In the microscopical analysis of leaf, petiole and stem showed a few peculiar features viz . large amount of calcium oxalate crystals near the veins; crescent shape outline, ventral side forming a deep groove and 9 + 2 arrangement of vascular bundle in petiole; stem was hollow, tracheary elements with spiral and annular thickenings. The vein islets 28–30 per mm 2 , vein termination 31–32 per mm 2 , stomatal index 8.9 (ventral side) and 18.2 (dorsal side) recorded. The morpho-anatomical characters may help in the correct identification and authentication of F. esculentum available in the market at an affordable cost. Although the morpho-anatomical parameters are sufficient diagnostic character to identify the correct plant species, however, if required the analysis by modern sophisticated instruments may be done based on the requirement of the manufacturers.