Pharmacognostic and physicochemical analysis of the leaves of Fadogia andersonii Robyns (Rubiaceae)

Fadogia andersonii has long been used in Africa in treatment of diseases including inflammation, arthritis, malaria and as aphrodisiac. The use and demand of this medicinal plants has been growing over long period of time. This study was carried out to determine some important pharmacognostic parameters of F. andersonii leaf. Evaluation of the fresh, powdered leaves was carried out to determine the macro-morphological, qualitative and quantitative microscopic, chemomicroscopic features, physicochemical properties and elemental analysis of the leaves. The leaves are pinnate opposite arranged, oblique lamina, glabrous appearance, elliptical in shape, entire margin with reticulate venation. The microscopy revealed straight polygonal wall of epidermal cells, paracytic stomata, unicellular trichomes, xylem, phloem, prismatic & druse crystals, and starch grains. Chemomicroscopy revealed presence of cellulose, cutin, lignin, tannins, starch, calcium oxalate crystals and gum & mucilage. The physicochemical parameters for the leaves estimated include moisture contents (13.11%), total ash value (5.67%), water soluble ash (1.33%), acid insoluble ash (2.00%), water extractive values (13.33%) and alcohol extractive values (10.67%). Elemental analysis revealed the presence of iron, copper, manganese, zinc, nickel, and lead. The pharmacognostic standard observed in this study will be of help in correct identification and quality control of F. andersonii.