Botanical identification to assess the standards through the comprehensive pharmacognostical study of Acorus calamus Linn. leaves

Introduction and Aim: Acorus calamus Linn. is an ayurvedic plant also known as Vach, sweet flag etc., belonging to the family Acoraceae and it is amphibiotic, amphibious in nature. This is traditionally used in asthma, bronchitis, and rheumatism and in many more diseases. The essential oil has broad spectrum activity but poor stability. To increase the stability of oil, the inclusion complex is prepared with cyclodextrin by different methods like kneading, etc.   Materials and Methods: Initially fresh leaves of Acorus calamus were collected and washed with fresh and purified water before the microscope.  After the microscopy dried leaves are powdered using the grinder for physicochemical evaluation.   Results: This research work confirmed the physicochemical, pharmacological, and chemical evaluations of the Acorus calamus Linn. leaves. T.S. of the Acorus calamus leaves were taken and kept on a glass slide then various staining reagents, including glycerin and iodine, were used to stain the T.S. of the leaves.  Microscopic studies revealed the presence of epidermis, thick-walled parenchyma, phloem, vascular bundle, xylem vessels, and aerenchyma. Physicochemical studies revealed total ash value, extractive values (hot), extractive values(cold), moisture content, foaming index, swelling index, and foreign matter.   Conclusion: Various pharmacognostic characters observed in the study help in the identification and standardization of Acorus calamus.