Pharmacognostic characteristics and antimicrobial activity of Sanchezia oblonga Ruiz & Pav.

Sanchezia oblonga Ruiz & Pav, Acanthaceae is used as an ornamental plant. It is an ethnomedicinal plant used to treat several diseases such as cancer, rheumatism, cardiovascular problems, immune related problems and headache. In the present investigation, various taxonomic, pharmacognostic and phytochemical standards are used to ensure the identity, purity, safety and efficacy of the medicinal plant, Sanchezia oblonga Ruiz & Pav plant. Various observations were recorded, including microscopic, macroscopic, soluble extractive values, moisture content, physicochemical characteristics, fluorescence behavior of the powdered leaf drug and antimicrobial activity analysis. The results indicated that the epidermal shapes were both polygonal on the adaxial and abaxial surfaces. The stomatal distribution was amphistomatic with anisocytic and diacytic stomata on the adaxial and abaxial surfaces, respectively. Stomatal index was 37.69 % on the adaxial surface and 23.26 % on the abaxial surface. The microscopy indicated the presence of xylem elements and anatomical characters of stem and petiole. Fluorescence properties showed different colours under different ultraviolet lights. Glandular unicellular trichomes were found on both the leaf surfaces. E-glandular trichomes with 2 to 7-arms were observed on the epidermal surfaces of the petiole and stem. Moisture content of the leaf sample was 50.56 % w/w. Out of the five solvent extracts of the leaves, the methanolic extract showed the highest antimicrobial activity and extractive value (5.7 % w/w). Important groups of phytochemicals, such astannins, alkaloids and flavonoids, have been detected in leaf extracts. The data generated from the present study would help to authenticate S. oblonga and affirm its folklore use in traditional medicine which has the potential for further development into drug products.