Inter. J. of Phytotherapy / Vol 2 / Issue 1 / 2012 / 34-53.

e - ISSN - 2249-7722
Print ISSN - 2249-7730

International Journal of Phytotherapy

www.phytotherapyjournal.com

PHARMACOGNOSTICAL AND PHYTOCHEMICAL

INVESTIGATION OF WHOLE PLANT OF OXALIS CORNICULATA L
*K. Yalla Reddy and 1S. Mohana Lakshmi
*Assistant Professor, Department of Pharmacognosy, Sana college of pharmacy, Kodad, Andhra Pradesh,-508 206, India.
1
Professor, Department of Pharmacognosy, Sree Vidyanikethan College of Pharmacy,
Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh - 517102, India.
ABSTRACT
Pharmacognostical standardization of natural products is a complex task due to their heterogeneous
composition, which is true for, any plant part or extracts obtained thereof. To ensure reproducible quality of herbal
products, authentication of the starting material is essential. Phytochemical and Pharmacognostic investigation was
carried out on the whole plant of Oxalis corniculata L. The assignment such as macroscopy, anatomical studies and
preliminary phytochemical screening were performed since the species was not noted for its pharmacognosy in part.
Macroscopic studies is a technique of qualitative evaluation based on the study of morphological and sensory profiles
of whole plant of Oxalis corniculata L. Microscopic studies is a technique of qualitative evaluation and used to
confirm the structural details of drugs from the whole plant of Oxalis corniculata L. and also study of the
phytoconstituents by application of chemical methods. The perusal of literature also revealed that no
pharmacognostic work had been carried out on the whole plant of Oxalis corniculata L. For this reason we have
investigated the Phytochemical and pharmacognostic profiles of whole plant of Oxalis corniculata L.
Keywords: Oxalis corniculata L., Phytochemical Screening, Pharmacognostic Studies.

INTRODUCTION
Herbs show a number of problems in when
quality aspect is considered. This is because of nature of
the herbal ingredients & different secondary metabolites
present therein. It is also due to variation in the chemical
profile of herbs due to intrinsic & extrinsic factors like
growth, harvesting, geographical source, storage & drying
etc [1]. Majority of the crude drugs come from wild
sources and it is collected by poor, illiterate tribal without
any attention to botanical identification and
authentication. According to WHO, the macroscopic,
microscopic and physiochemical parameters of a
medicinal plant is the first step towards establishing the
identity and the degree of purity of such materials [2].
Pharmacognostical
parameters
identification
like
macroscopical

for
easy
evaluation,

microscopical evaluation & physico chemical analyses are

few of the basic protocol for standardization of herbals.
Morphological or organoleptic evaluation of drugs by
color, odour, taste, size, shape, and special characters like
touch and texture, etc. It is a technique of qualitative
evaluation based on whole drugs [3]. Organoleptic
evaluation studies resulted due to impressions on organs
of senses. Microscopical evaluation of the plant drugs
helps to identify the organized drugs by their known
histological characters and used to confirm the structural
details of the drugs from plant origin. Physiochemical
evaluation of crude drug involves the determination of the
identity, purity and quality. Purity depends upon the
absence of foreign matter, whether organic or inorganic
While quality refers essentially to the concentration of the
active constituents in the drug that makes it valuable to
medicine.

Corresponding Author:- K. Yella Reddy Email:- yallareddy777@gmail.com

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Inter. J. of Phytotherapy / Vol 2 / Issue 1 / 2012 / 34-53.

The pharmacognostical studies of the plant drugs

focused on bringing the out diagnostic characters will be
immense help in the proper identification and
standardization of different botanical species of the plant
origin. The pharmacognostical parameters are major and
reliable criteria for confirmation of the identity and
determination of quality and purity of the crude drugs [4].
Which play a major role to establish the particular
standards and helps to minimize the adulteration during
the collection of plant species.
COLLECTION AND AUTHENTICATION OF THE
PLANT
The whole plant of Oxalis corniculata L. was
collected from Talakona forest, Chittoor dist of Andhra
Pradesh, India, during September 2009. The plant was
authenticated by Prof. P. Jayaraman, Director of National
Institute of Herbal Science, W.Tambaram Chennai. The
voucher specimen (PARC/2009/343) of the plant was
deposited at the college for further reference.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Macroscopic characters of the Oxalis corniculata L.
Macroscopic characters of the plant Oxalis
corniculata L. (Oxalidaceae) was studied directly in the
field, and photographed under original environment.
Microscopical evaluation of Oxalis Corniculata L.
Microscopical examination of the plant drugs is
essential to study the adulterants also indispensable in
identification. The microscopical evaluation of powder of
Oxalis corniculata L. shows the characters as below
ANATOMICAL STUDIES
Preparation of specimens
The plant specimens for the study were collected
from Talakona forest, Chittoor dist, care was taken to
select healthy plants and normal organs. The required
samples of different organs were cut and removed from
the plant and fixed in FAA (Formalin-5ml+acetic acid 5ml+70% ethyl alcohol-90ml). After 24 hours of fixing,
the specimens were dehydrated with graded series of
tertiary butyl alcohol as per the schedule given by Sass,
1940. In filtrations of the specimens were carried by
gradual addition of paraffin wax (melting point 58-60c)
until TBA solution attained super saturation. The
specimens were cast into paraffin blocks.
Sectioning
The paraffin embedded specimens were
sectioned with the help of Rotary microtome. The
thickness of the sections was 10-12. De waxing of the
sections was by customary procedure [5]. The sections
were stained with Toludine blue as per method published
by OBrien et al., 1964) [6]. Since Toludine blue is
polychromatic stain, the staining results were remarkably

good; and some cytochemical reactions were also

obtained. The dye rendered pink color to the cellulose
walls, blue to the lignified cells, dark green to suberin,
violet to the mucilage, blue to the protein bodies etc.
Wherever necessary sections were also stained with
safranin and Fast-green and IKI for starch [5].
For studying the stomatal morphology venation
pattern and trichome distribution, paradermal sections
(sections taken parallel to the surface of the leaf) as well
as clearing of leaf with 5% Sodium hydroxide or
epidermal peeling by partial maceration employing
Jeffreys maceration fluid [7] were prepared. Glycine
mounted temporary preparations were made for
macerated/cleared macerations. Powdered materials of the
different parts were cleared with NaOH and mounted in
glycerine medium after staining different cell component
were studied and measured.
Photomicrography
Microscopic descriptions of tissues are
supplemented with micrograph, wherever necessary
photographs of different magnifications were taken with
NIKON lab photo 2 microscopic units. For normal
observations bright field was used. For the study of
crystals, starch grains and lignified cells, polarized light
was employed. Since these structures have birefrigerant
property, under polarized light they appear bright against
dark background. Magnifications of the figures are
indicated by the scale-bars. Descriptive terms of the
anatomical features are as given in the standard anatomy
books [8].
PHYSICOCHEMICAL PARAMETERS
The evaluation of a crude drug involves the
determination of identity, purity and quality. Purity
depends upon the absence of foreign matter whether
organic or inorganic, while quality refers essentially to the
concentration of the active constituents in the drug that
makes it valuable to medicine. The following
physicochemical parameters were evaluated to obtain the
qualitative information about the purity and quality of
Oxalis corniculata L.
Ash value aids in the determination of quality of
crude drug in powder form. The ash content of a crude
drug is generally considered as a residue remaining after
maceration. Ash contains inorganic salts like phosphates,
carbonates and silicates of sodium, potassium,
magnesium, calcium are adhere to it or may also be added
to for the purpose of adulteration. There is a considerable
difference (varieties with narrow limits) in the case of
same individual drug. Hence ash determination furnishes
a basis for judging the identity and quality of the drug
gives information to its adulteration with inorganic
matter. Ash standards have been established for a number
of the drug in the pharmacopoeias [9].

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ASH VALUES
Total ash
Heat a silica or platinum crucible to red heat for
30 min, Allow to cool in desiccator and weigh. Weigh
accurately about 1gm of the substance being examined
and evenly distributed in the crucible. Dry at 100c to
105c for one hour and ignite to constant weight in the
muffle furnace at 600 25c. Allow the crucible to cool
in desiccator after each ignition. The material should not
catch fire at any time drying the procedure. If after
prolonged ignition a carbon free ash cannot be obtained,
exhaust the charred mass with hot water. Collect the
residue on an ash less filter paper, incinerate the residue
and filter paper until ash becomes white or nearly so.
Calculate the percentage of the drug with reference to air
dried drug.
Water-insoluble ash
The total ash is boiled with 25ml water and
filtered through the ash less filter paper (whatman-41). It
is followed by washing with hot water. The filter paper is
ignited in the silica crucible, Cooled and the water
insoluble matter was weighed. The water soluble ash is
calculated by subtracting the water insoluble matter from
the total ash.
Acid-insoluble ash
The total ash obtained is boiled for five minutes
with 25ml of 2M hydrochloric acid and filtered through
an ash less filter paper. The filter paper is ignited in the
silica crucible, Cooled and then acid insoluble ash is
weighed.
EXTRACTIVE VALUES
Extraction values are useful for determination of
crude drugs and it gives an idea about the nature of the
chemical constituents present. The solvent used for the
extraction should be in position to dissolve the quantities
of desired substances.
Alcohol soluble extractives
About 5g of the powder is macerated with 100ml
of the specified strength in a closed flask for 24 hours.
Shake frequently during first 6hrs and allow it for
standing to 18 hrs. It is filtered rapidly taking precautions
against loss of alcohol and 25ml of the filtrate is
evaporated to dryness in a tarred flat bottomed shallow
dish. Dried at 105c and weighed. The percentage of
alcohol soluble extractive is calculated with reference to
the air dried powder.
Water soluble extractives
About 5 g of the powder drug is macerated with
100 ml of distilled water in a closed flask for 24hrs. Shake
frequently during 6 hrs and allow the same for standing
for 18 hrs. It is filtered rapidly and 25 ml of the filtrate is

evaporated to dryness in a tarred flat bottomed shallow

dish, dried at 105C and weighed. The percentage of
water soluble extractive is calculated with reference to the
air dried powder.
Chloroform soluble extractives
About 5 g of the powder drug is macerated with 100 ml of
chloroform in a closed flask for 24hrs. Shake frequently
during 6 hrs and allow the same for standing for 18 hrs. It
is filtered rapidly and 25 ml of the filtrate is evaporated to
dryness in a tarred flat bottomed shallow dish, dried at
105C and weighed. The percentage of chloroform
soluble extractive is calculated with reference to the air
dried powder.
Extraction
The commonly employed technique for
separation of active substance from crude drug is called
Extraction which involves the use of different solvents.
The plant material used for extraction should be properly
authenticated or identified. The choice of the plant
material for extraction depends on its nature and the
components required being isolated. The dried powdered
plant material is commonly used for extraction. The fresh
plant parts when used are homogenized or macerated with
a solvent such as alcohol. It is general solvent for many
potential constituents and as such may give problem in
subsequent elimination of pigments, resins, etc.
Water immiscible solvent, such as light
petroleum is used for the extraction of fixed and essential
oils, steroids and aglycones. Chloroform and ether are
used for the separation of alkaloids and quinines. The
extraction of organic bases like alkaloids usually
necessitates basification of plant material if a water
immiscible solvent is to be used, whereas aromatic acids
and phenols, acidification may be required. The
glycosides are soluble in water and alcohol, but are
insoluble in non-polar solvents. Tannins are phenolic
matter soluble in water, alcohol and ethyl acetate.
Extraction itself may be performed by repeated
maceration with agitation, percolation or by continuous
extraction using soxhlet extractor.
The general approach for extraction of different
constituents from fresh plant may be briefly described in
the following chart.
The extract may contain, along with actually
desired compound, some other substances such as
chlorophyll or other kinds of pigments, inorganic and
organic acids, resins, fatty substances, etc. Depending
upon the type of impurities present the method of
purification varies, but, substances, etc. by and large,
separation of constituents by partitioning between two
immiscible solvents in which the compound, dissolves

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preferentially or precipitation of either the desired

medicinal product or impurity by a certain reagent, are
quite widely used. Such partially purified extract may
still contain very closely related constituents in traces.
This necessitates further purification of extract, which is
done by various means such as sublimation, distillation,
fractional crystallization, fractional liberation, etc.
PROCESS OF EXTRACTION
Plant material: Oxalis corniculata L. (Oxalidaceae)
whole plant were collected, washed, cleaned, dried in
shade, and pulverized in a grinder-mixer to obtain a
coarse powder and then
passed through a 40- mesh
sieve.
Apparatus: Test tubes, Test tube holder, Test tube stand,
Glass rods, Spatula, Burners, Measuring cylinder, Digital
weighing balance, Grinder mixer, Sieve no. 40, Soxhlet
apparatus, Heating mantle.
Solvents: Petroleum ether, Chloroform,
Methanol, Ethyl acetate, Water, etc.

Ethanol,

Chemicals: Alcohol, Alpha napthol, Conc.H2SO4, Ferric

chloride, 5% HgCl2 solution, 5% Lead acetate solution,
Acetic acid solution, Potassium dichromate, 95% Ethanol,
Magnesium turnings, Tannic acid, 1% Copper sulphate,
Sodium nitroprusside, 10% NH4OH, Iodine solution, 5%
Ammonium sulphate, 5% NaOH, Nitric acid, Acetic
anhydride, Picric acid, etc
Reagents: Millons reagent, Barfoeds reagent, Ninhydin
reagent, Mayers reagent, Dragendorffs reagent, Wagners
reagent, Hagers reagent, Fehlings solution A & B,
Benedicts reagent, etc.
About 1000 gm of powdered drug was
successively extracted with methanol, by using soxhlet
apparatus. The extraction was carried out until the extract
becomes colorless. The solvent is removed from extract
by distillation under reduced pressure. The concentrated
extract were kept in a desiccator and used for further
experiment.
Qualitative Phytochemical Examination
The extracts are subjected to qualitative tests for
the various plant constituents such as alkaloids,
carbohydrates, glycosides, phytosterols, fixed oils and
fats, saponins, phenolic compounds and tannins, proteins
and amino acids, gums and mucilage, flavonoids, etc [1013].
TEST FOR ALKALOIDS
A small portion of the solvent free petroleum
ether, alcohol, extracts were stirred separately with few
drops of dilute hydrochloric acid and filtered. The filtrate

was tested with various reagents for the presence of

alkaloids.
Mayers reagent : Formation of Cream colored
precipitate.
Dragendroffs reagent : Formation of Orangebrown colored precipitate.
Wagners reagent : Formation of Reddish brown
precipitate.
Hagers reagent : Formation of Yellow colored
precipitate.
TEST FOR CARBOHYDRATES
A small quantity of extract was dissolved
separately in distilled water and filtered. The filtrate was
subjected to Molisch test for detecting carbohydrates.
Molisch test:
Filtrate was treated with 2-3 drops of alcoholic
-napthol solution and 2ml of concentrated sulfuric acid
was added along the sides of test tubes. Appearance of
brown ring at the junction of two liquids indicates the
presence of carbohydrates.
TEST FOR GLYCOSIDES
A portion of the extract was hydrolyzed with
hydrochloric acid for few hours on a water bath and the
hydrolysate was subjected to Legals and Borntragers
test to detect the presence of different glycosides.
Legals test: To the hydrolysate 1ml of pyridine and
few drops of sodium nitroprusside solution were added
and it was made alkaline with sodium hydroxide.
Appearance of pink to red color indicates the presence of
glycosides.
Borntragers test: Hydrolysate was treated with
chloroform and then the chloroform layer was separated.
To this equal quantity of dilute ammonia solution was
added, ammonical layer acquires pink color indicates the
presence of glycosides.
TEST FOR PHYTOSTEROLS
The extract was refluxed with solution of alcoholic
potassium hydroxide till complete saponification had
taken place. The mixture was diluted and extracted with
ether. The ether layer was evaporated and the residue was
tested for the phytosterols.
Liebermann Burchard test: The residue was
dissolved in few drops of dilute acetic acid, 3ml of acetic
anhydride and followed by few drops of concentrated
sulfuric acid. Appearance of bluish green color indicates
the presence of phytosterols.
TEST FOR FIXED OILS AND FATS
Spot test: Small quantities of various extracts were
separately pressed between two filter papers. Appearance
of stain on the paper indicates the presence of fixed oil.

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Few drops of 0.5N alcoholic potassium

hydroxide were added to small quantity of various
extracts along with a drop of phenolphthalein. The
mixture was heated on water bath for 1-2 hours.
Formation of soap or partial neutralization of alkali
indicates the presence of fixed oils and fats.
TEST FOR SAPONINS
The extract was diluted with 20ml of distilled
water and it was agitated in a graduated cylinder for
15mins. The formation of 1cm layer of foam shows the
presence of saponins.
TEST FOR PHENOLIC COMPOUNDS AND
TANNINS
Small quantities of the extracts were taken
separately in water and test for the presence of Phenolic
compounds and tannins was carried out with the
following reagents.
Dilute Ferric chloride solution (5%) Formation of
violet color.
1% solution of gelatin containing 10% sodium
chloride-Formation of white ppt.
10% Lead acetate solution Formation white
precipitate.
TEST FOR PROTEINS AND AMINO ACIDS
Small quantities of the extract was dissolved in
water and treated with the following reagents.
Biuret test: An equal volume of 5% sodium
hydroxide and 1% copper sulphate solution was added
appearance of pink or purple color indicates the presence
of free amino acids or proteins.
Millons test: appearance of red color indicates the
presence of protein and free amino acid.
TEST FOR GUMS AND MUCILAGE
Small quantities of the extract were added
separately to 25ml of absolute alcohol with constant
stirring and filtered. The precipitate was dried in air and
examined for its swelling properties for the presence of
gums and mucilage.
TEST FOR FLAVONOIDS
Extracts were taken with aqueous sodium
hydroxide solution blue to violet color (anthocyanins)
yellow color (flavones), yellow to orange (flavones).
With concentrated sulfuric acid yellow to
orange color (anthocyanins) yellow to orange (flavones),
orange to crimson (flavones).
Shinodas test: Small quantities of the extracts were
individually dissolved in alcohol, to them piece of
magnesium followed by concentrated hydrochloric acid
drop wise added and heated. Appearance of magenta
color indicates the presence of flavonoids.

RESULTS
MACROSCOPIC CHARACTERS OF THE OXALIS
CORNICULATA L.
Color
: Leaves - yellowish green
Flowers- yellow color
Odour : Slight and Characteristic
Taste : Sore and Astringent
Size
: Fruit capsule: 1 to 2 cm long
Seeds: 1mm
SHAPE
Leaves :
Digitately 3- foliate, leaflets, obcordate,
chartaceous, pilose base cuneate, margin entire, apex,
emarginiate.
Floweres: Pseudoumbels, axiallary, 1-6flowered, bracts
two, linear, bracteole, Sepals, five lanceolate, petals
oblanceolate apex, emarginate
Fruit
:
Capsule, oblong, abruptly tapering above,
puberulous.
Seeds : Numerous per locule, ovoid transversly ridged.
MICROSCOPICAL EVALUATION OF OXALIS
CORNICULATA L.
Anatomy of the leaf
Microscopic features
1. Leaflet
The leaflet is thin with less prominent and lateral
veins (fig 4.1,2, 3). The mid rib is shallow concave on the
adaxial side and slightly projecting on the abaxial side
(fig: 4.2). The mid rib is about 200m thick. The adaxial
epidermis in the midrib portion consists of much dilated
circular, thin walled cells are 70m in height. The abaxial
epidermal cells are also dilated and thin walled. The
vascular strand consists of a cluster of narrow, angular
thin walled. Xylem elements are 8m wide. These are of
phloem elements occurs on the lower end of the xylem
strand (fig: 4.2, 3), the palisade tissue is transcurrent
across the vascular bundle and beneath the adaxial
epidermis (fig; 4.3).
Anatomy of the lamina
T.S of the lamina
Lamina
The leaf blade is thin, dorsiventral with thick
epidermal layers. The lamina part is about 100m wide.
Both adaxial and abaxial epidermal layers are quite wide
and have large, thin walled circular cells, measuring
25m in thickness. The mesophyll tissue consists of a
narrow adaxial zone of short, then cylindrical palisade
cells and the four layers of small, lobed spongy
parenchyma cells.
T.S of the leaf margin
The leaf margin is slightly narrow leaflet and
posses circular thin walled cells. They are 25m in

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diameter the mesophyll tissues are as in the middle

portion of the lamina (Fig: 5.2).
Epidermal morphology
Epidermal cells and stomata
The epidermal cells are thin walled; their anticlerical
walls are highly wavy, so that the cells appear amoeboid
in outline. Stomata occur only the lower epidermis (fig:
6.1, 2) and they are absent on the upper epidermis (fig:
6.3).
Abaxial epidermis with stomata
The stomata do not possess distinct subsidiary
cells. The guard cells are elliptical with slit like stomatal
pores (fig: 6.2).
Adaxial epidermis
The guard cells are 1520m in size. The
adaxial epidermal cells are similar to the abaxial cells in
shape and size; but it is apostomatic (without stomata)
(fig: 6.3).
Paradermal section showing venation pattern and
crystal distribution
Venation pattern
The lateral veins and vein islets are uniformly
thin comprising of one or two spiral xylem elements, the
veins are straight. They form wide, rectangular on many
sided vein islets; the vein islets have well defined vein
terminations. Which are long, slender unbranched or
branched once or twice (fig: 7.2; 8.3).
Crystals in the mesophyll tissue
Crystals
Calcium oxalate crystals are frequently seen in
the mesophyll tissue. The crystals are mostly druses or

sphere crystals. They are diffuse in distribution and are

located in ordinary mesophyll cells. The crystals are up to
20m wide.
Powder microscopy of the whole plant
2. Leaf powder
Leaf powder are seen fragments lamina, with
venation and trichomes (fig: 9.1, 2), isolated trichomes
(fig: 10.1) and epidermal peeling fragments of lamina
show epidermal trichomes along the leaf margin, as well
as on the lamina surface (fig: 9.1, 2).
Non-glandular covering trichome in the leaf powder
The trichomes are non-glandular type covering
trichomes; they are unicellular, unbranched and pointed at
the tip. They are mostly curved and wavy. Their walls are
fairly thick and smooth. They are up to 300m long and
20m thick. Epidermal peeling in the powder exhibit thin
walled lobed cells. The stomata are anomocytic type (fig:
10.3).
PHYSICOCHEMICAL PARAMETERS
The various physiochemical parameters of whole
plant Oxalis corniculata L. (Oxalidaceae) was evaluated
and the values are tabulated in table 1.
The percentage yield of various extracts of the
whole plant of Oxalis corniculata
L. (Oxalidaceae)
were presented in the Table 2. The methanol extract gives
the high percentage yield and it was found to be 24.94%
w/w.
Qualitative phytochemical examination
Preliminary phytochemical screening of Oxalis
corniculata L. (Oxalidaceae) was carried out with
different extracts and data represented in table.3.

Table 1. Physicochemical parameters of Oxalis corniculata L. (Oxalidaceae) extract

S. No.

Parameters
Ash values
a) Total ash
b) Acid insoluble ash
c) Water insoluble ash
Extractive values
a) Alcohol soluble extractive
b) Water soluble extractive
c) Chloroform soluble extractive

1.

2.

% W/W
39
9
16
16.8
9.6
8

Table 2. Percentage yield of Oxalis corniculata L. (Oxalidaceae)

Plant name
Oxalis corniculta L.

Part used
Whole plant

Methanol
24.94

~ 39 ~

% yield of extractive (%w/w)

Ethanol
Pet. ether
8.3
12.34

Water
10.4

Inter. J. of Phytotherapy / Vol 2 / Issue 1 / 2012 / 34-53.

Table 3. Phytochemical screening of the extracts of Oxalis corniculta L.

Tests
Alkaloids
Carbohydrates
Glycosides
Phytosterols
Fixed Oils & fats
Saponins
Phenolic compounds & Tannins
Proteins & Amino acids
Gums & mucilage
Flavonoids

Pet. ether
Ethanol

+
+
+
+
"+" = Indicates Positive Results
"" = Indicates Negative Results

Figure 1. Extraction of different Phyto constituents from fresh plant

~ 40 ~

Methanol

+
+

+
+

+
+

Water

+
+

+
+
+

Inter. J. of Phytotherapy / Vol 2 / Issue 1 / 2012 / 34-53.

Figure 2. Soxhlet extractor

Figure 3. Oxalis corniculata L. (Oxalidaceae) whole plant

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Fig. 3.1: Seedlings

Fig. 3.2: Leaves

Fig. 3.3: Roots

Fig. 3.4: Flower

Fig. 3.5: Fruits

Fig. 3.6: Stems

Figure 4.1. T.S of through midrib with lamina

[AdS adaxial side; MR Midrib; La Lamina]

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Figure 4.2.T.S of midrib with lamina enlarged

[AdE-adaxial epidermis; Ph-Pholem; X-Xylem]

Figure 4.3.T.S of midrib with lamina enlarged

[AbE-Abaxial epidermis; AdE-Adaxial epidermis, MR-Midrib; PM-Palisade mesophyll; Ph-Phloem; X-Xylem]

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Figure 5.1. T.S of the lamina

[AbE-Abaxial epidermis; AdE-Adaxial epidermis; PM-Plaisade mesophyll; SM-spongy mesophyll]

Figure 5.2. T.S of the leaf margin

[Ec-epiderma cells; LM-Leaf margin; PM-Palisade mesophyll; SM-spongy mesophyll]

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Figure 6.1. Abaxial epidermis with stomata

[Ec-Epidermal cells; St-Stomata]

Figure 6.2. Adaxial epidermis with stomata

[Ec-Epidermal cells; St-Stomata]

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Figure 6.3. Adaxial epidermis

[Ec-Epidermal cells]
Figure 7.1. vein islets and vein termination

[VI-vein islets; VT-Vein termination]

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Figure 7.2. Vein islets and vein termination

[VI-vein islets]
Figure 7.3. Crystals in the mesophyll tissue

[Cr-Crystal]

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VENATION PATTERN
Figure 8.1. Cleared leaf showing vein islets and vein termination

Figure 8.2. Cleared leaf showing vein islets and vein termination enlarged

[VI-vein islets; VT-Vein termination]

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Figure 8.3. One vein islets and vein termination enlarged

[VI-vein islets; VT-Vein termination]

Figure 9.1. Fragment of adaxial epidermis cells with covering trichome

[LM-Leaf margin, Tr-Trichome]

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Figure 9.2. A covering trichome enlarged

[Tr-Trichome]
Figure 10.1.Non-glandular covering trichome in the leaf powder

[Tr-Trichome]

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Figure 10.2. A trichome enlarged [Tr-Trichome]

Figure 10.3. Abaxial epidermis with stomata

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DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION

The pharmacognostical studies of Oxalis
corniculata L.(Oxalidaceae) was performed. In
macroscopic studies, it is observed that the leaves are
green and flowers are yellow color, pseudo umbels,
axially, 1-6 flowered bracts two, linear, bracteole, sepals
five lanceolate, petals are oblongata in nature apex and
emarginated. Leaves are 3-foliate, leaflets obcordate,
Chartaceous, pilose base cunate, margin entire. In this
plant fruits are capsule in nature, oblong, abrupty tapering
above; puberulous seeds are numerous per locule, ovoid
transversely.
In microscopical studies it is observed that in
plant, the midrib portion is shallow concave on the
adaxial side and slightly projecting on the abaxial side
(Fig: 4.2). The midrib portion 200m thick, adaxial
epidermis is much dilated, thin walled cells are 70m in
height. In this vascular strand cluster of narrow, angular
thin walled. The xylem portion is upper and below the
phloem in the (Fig: 4.3).
In transverse section of the lamina, the lamina
part is about 100m wide. Both adaxial and abaxial
epidermal layers are wide, large, thin walled circular
cells, measuring 25m in thickness. The leaf margin is
slightly narrow leaflet and posses thin walled cells are
25m in diameter.
In the epidermal morphology the epidermal cells
are thin walled, highly wavy, the cells are appearing like
amoeboid in nature. Stomata occur only in lower
epidermis (Fig: 6.2). In the stomata guard cells are
elliptical with slit like stomatal pores. The guard cells are
15x20m in size (Fig: 6.2).
In the venation pattern of Oxalis corniculata L.

the lateral veins and vein islets are uniformly thin and
comprising one or two spiral xylem elements, the vein
islets having vein terminations (Fig : 8.2). Which are long
slender, unbranched or branched. In the whole plant
calcium oxalate crystals are present in the mesophyll
tissue and crystals are druses or sphaero crystals crystals
are up to 20m wide.
The powder microscopical studies of the plant
shows fragments of lamina, venation, and trichomes.
Trichomes are non-glandular, covering trichomes,
unicellular, unbranched, and pointed on the tip; these are
up to 300m long and 20m thick.
Physicochemical properties are an important
parameter in detecting adulteration on improper handling
of the drug. In the evaluation of crude drug, ash values,
extractive values are important parameters. The
estimation of ash value is useful for detecting low-grade
products, exhausted drugs and excess of sandy matter.
The determination of extractive values with a range of
solvents gives information about extractable non-polar
and polar as well as total extractable plant constituents.
CONCLUSION
The pharmacognostical studies of the plant were
carried out with a focus on bringing out diagnostic
characters will be of immense help in the proper
identification and standardization of botanical species of
the plant drugs. Which play a major role to establish the
particular standards and helps to minimize the
adulteration of the plant Oxalis corniculata L. The
methanol extract shows the presence of constituents such
as carbohydrates, glycosides saponins, tannins, gums and
mucilage and flavonoids. The methanol extract gives high
percentage of yield. Hence we can select this methanol
extract for pharmacological evaluation.

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