Pharmacognostical and Phytochemical Analysis of Ipomoea mauritiana Jacq. Tuber

Abstract

Introduction: The purpose of this investigation was to undertake a thorough pharmacognostical and phytochemical analysis of the tuber of Ipomoea mauritiana Jacq. to determine the diagnostic features and to study the occurrence of bioactive constituents. Methodology: Tubers were harvested, identified, washed, dried, and powdered. Macroscopic and microscopic examinations were carried out to record physical and anatomical features. Physicochemical parameters including moisture content, ash value, swelling index, and extractive values with different solvents were measured. Ethanol extracts performed phytochemical screening to determine whether secondary metabolites were present. Results: Macroscopic observation showed brown-colored tubers with a wrinkled, rough surface and fibrous texture. Calcium oxalate crystals, starch grains, and cork cells were detected by microscopic and powder analysis. According to physicochemical examination, the ethanol extractive value was 8.5% w/w, the moisture content was 3.4% w/w, the total ash was 4.5% w/w, and the acid-insoluble ash was 1.1% w/w. The presence of saponins was indicated by the foaming index, which was determined to be >100. While proteins and tannins were found to be absent, phytochemical screening revealed the presence of carbohydrates, flavonoids, phenols, terpenoids, alkaloids, and glycosides. Conclusion: The investigation is able to successfully set the pharmacognostic standards and emphasize the therapeutic value of Ipomoea mauritiana tubers as a result of the presence of pharmacologically active compounds. This proves its usage as per traditional medicine and creates a necessary baseline data for standardization, quality control, and other pharmacological studies.