Chapter 9: Powder Microscopy

POWDER MICROSCOPY

Powder analysis plays a significant role in identification of crude drug.

These characters will help in the identification of right variety and search for
adulterants. Powder microscopy is one of the simplest and cheapest methods to start
with for establishing the correct identity of the source materials. It is useful for further
pharmacological and therapeutic evaluation along with the standardization of plant
material. Preliminary examination and behavior of the powder with different chemical
reagents was carried out and microscopical examination was carried out after
treatment with different reagents like Phloroglucinol, Conc. HCl, Ruthenium red,
Acetic acid and Iodine solution.

9.1 Powder analysis of Coccinia grandis leaf

9.1.1 Preliminary test

Leaf powder was characterized by morphological features like dark green

colour, presence of specific characteristic and bitter taste (Fig No 129).

Sr. No, Test Observation Inference

1 Colour Green Leaf drug
2 Odour Specific Aromatic crude drug
3 Taste Bitter Drug contain triterpenoids
Table No.129: Preliminary test of Coccinia grandis leaf powder

9.1.2 Microscopical observation of Coccinia grandis leaf powder

Microscopic study of powder reveals the presence of xylem, vessel elements,

epidermal cells and spongy mesophyll parenchyma (Fig No 103).

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9.1.3 Micro-chemical test

The micro chemical test of Coccinia grandis leaf powder reveals the presence of
lignified cells, cuticle and crystals of calcium oxalate. The mucilaginous cells,
Hemicellulose, stone cells and endodermal starch grains were absent (Table No 130).

Reagent Observation Characteristics

Phloroglucinol + Conc. HCl Pink colour Lignified cells are present

Power + Ruthenium red Black colour Mucilaginous cells are absent

Powder + Sudan red III Pink colour Cuticle

Powder + Dilute iodine Black colour Hemicellulose absent
solution + Conc. Sulphuric
acid
Powder +Dilute HCl Soluble Calcium oxalate crystal are present
Powder + Sulphuric acid. Brown colour Stone cell absent

Powder + Dil. iodine No Blue Endodermis without Starch

solution.
TableNo.130: Microchemical test of Coccinia grandis leaf powder

9.2 Powder analysis of Coccinia grandis fruit

9.2.1 Preliminary test

The fruit powder was characterized by its morphological features like white
colour, presence of specific odour and bitter taste (Table No 131).

Sr. No, Test Observation Inference

1 Colour Green Fruit drug
2 Odour Specific Aromatic crude drug
3 Taste Bitter Drug contain triterpenoids
Table No.131: Preliminary test of Coccinia grandis fruit powder

9.2.2 Microscopical observation of Coccinia grandis fruit powder

Microscopic study reveals the presence of oil globules and parenchyma cells (Fig
No 104).
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9.2.3 Micro chemical test

The micro chemical test of Coccinia grandis fruit powder reveals the presence
of lignified cells, cuticle, Hemicellulose, mucilaginous cells, endodermal starch
grains. Calcium oxalate crystal and stone cells were absent (Table No 132).

Reagent Observation Characteristics.

Phloroglucinol + Conc. HCl Pink colour Lignified cells are present

Power + Ruthenium red Pink colour mucilaginous cells are present in

epidermis
Powder + Sudan III Pink colour Cuticle
Powder + Dilute iodine Blue colour Hemicellulose present
solution + Conc. Sulphuric
acid
Powder + Dilute HCl Insoluble Calcium oxalate crystal are absent
Powder + Sulphuric acid. Brown colour Stone cell absent

Powder + Dilute iodine Blue Starch in endodermis is present

solution.
Table No.132: Microchemical test of Coccinia grandis fruit powder

9.3 Powder analysis of Lagenaria siceraria leaf

9.3.1 Preliminary test

Powder was characterized by its morphological features like green colour,

presence of characteristic odour (Table No 133).

Sr. No. Test Observation Inference

1 Colour Green Leaf drug
2 Odour Characteristic Aromatic crude drug
3 Taste Bitter Drug contain alkaloids
Table.No.133: Preliminary tests of Lagenaria siceraria leaf powder

9.3.2 Microscopical observation of Lagenaria siceraria leaf powder: Microscopical

study reveals the presence epidermal fragments, small parenchymatous cells in group
and trichome (Fig No 105).
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9.3.3 Micro chemical tests

The micro chemical test of Lagenaria siceraria leaf powder reveals the presence of
lignified cells, cuticle and mucilaginous cells. Calcium oxalate crystal, Hemicellulose
Starch grains and stone cells were absent (Table No 134).

Reagent Observation Characteristics.

Phloroglucinol + Conc. HCl Pink colour Lignified cells are present

Power+ Ruthenium red Pink colour mucilaginous cells are present in

epidermis
Powder + Sudan III Pink colour Cuticle
Powder + Dilute iodine solution No Blue colour Hemicellulose Absent
+ Conc. Sulphuric acid
Powder + Dilute HCl Insoluble Calcium oxalate crystal are
absent
Powder + Sulphuric acid. Brown colour Stone cell absent

Powder + Dil. iodine solution. No Blue Starch in endodermis is Absents

Table No.134: Microchemical test of Lagenaria siceraria leaf powder

9.4 Powder analysis of Lagenaria siceraria fruit

9.4.1 Preliminary test

Powder is characterized by its morphological features like yellowish colour,

presence of specific odour and bitter taste (Table No 135).

Sr. No. Test Observation Inference

1 Colour Yellowish Fruit drug
2 Odour Specific Aromatic crude drug
3 Taste Bitter Drug contain triterpenoids
Table No135: Preliminary test of L. siceraria fruit powder

9.4.2 Microscopical observation of Lagenaria siceraria fruit powder

Microscopic study of powder reveals the presence of polygonal cells and starch
granules (Fig No 106).
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9.4.3 Microchemical test

The micro chemical test of Lagenaria siceraria fruit powder reveals the presence
of lignified cells, cuticle, mucilaginous cells and starch grains. Calcium oxalate
crystal, hemicellulose and stone cells are absent (Table No 136).

Reagent Observation Characteristics.

Phloroglucinol + Conc. HCl Pink colour Lignified cells are present

Power+ Ruthenium red Pink colour Mucilaginous cells are present in

epidermis
Powder + Sudan red III Pink colour Cuticle
Powder +Dilute iodine No Blue colour Hemicellulose Absent
solution + Conc. Sulphuric
acid
Powder + Dilute HCl Insoluble Calcium oxalate crystal are absent
Powder + Sulphuric acid. Brown colour Stone cell absent

Powder+ Dilute iodine Blue Starch in endodermis is presents

solution.
Table No 136: Microchemical test of Lagenaria siceraria fruit powder

9.5 Powder analysis of Trichosanthes tricuspidata leaf

9.5.1 Preliminary test

Powder is characterized by its morphological features like brownish colour,

characteristic odour and bitter taste (Table No 137).

Sr. No. Test Observation Inference

al Colour Brownish colour Leaf drug
2 Odour Characteristics Aromatic crude drug
3 Taste Bitter Drug contain alkaloids
Table No.137: Preliminary test of T. tricuspidata leaf powder

9.5.2 Microscopical observation of T. tricuspidata leaf powder

Microscopic study reveals the presence of trichomes and palisade cells (Fig No 107).

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9.5.3 Microchemical tests

The micro chemical test of Trichosanthes tricuspidata leaf powder reveals the
presence of lignified cells, cuticle, mucilaginous cells, starch grains and
hemicellulose. Calcium oxalate crystals and stone cells were absent (Table No 138).

Reagent Observation Characteristics.

Phloroglucinol + Con HCl Pink colour Lignified cells are present

Power+ Ruthenium red Pink colour Mucilage nous cells are present in
epidermis
Powder + Sudan red III Pink colour Cuticle
Powder + Dilute iodine Blue colour Hemicellulose present
solution + Conc. Sulphuric
acid
Powder + Dilute HCl Insoluble Calcium oxalate crystal are absent
Powder+ Sulphuric acid. Brown colour Stone cell absent

Powder + Dil iodine Blue Starch in endodermis is presents

solution.
Table No 138: Microchemical test of T. tricuspidata leaf powder

9.6 Powder analysis of Trichosanthes tricuspidata fruit

9.6.1 Preliminary test

Powder was characterized by its morphological features like brownish yellow

colour presence of specific odour and bitter taste (Table No 139).

Sr. No. Test Observation Inference

l Colour Brownish yellow Fruit drug
2 Odour Specific Aromatic crude drug
3 Taste Bitter Drug contain triterpenoids
Table No.139: Preliminary test of T. siceraria fruit powder

9.6.2 Microscopical observation of T. tricuspidata fruit powder: Microscopic study

of powder reveals the presence epidermal fragments, stone cells, lignified cells (Fig
No 108).
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9.6.3 Micro chemical tests

The micro chemical test of Trichosanthes tricuspidata fruit powder reveals the
presence of lignified cells; cuticle, mucilaginous cells, starch grains and. Calcium
oxalate crystal, hemicellulose and stone cells were absent (Table No 140).

Reagent Observation Characteristics.

Phloroglucinol + Conc. HCl Pink colour Lignified cells are present

Power+ Ruthenium red Pink colour mucilaginous cells are present in

epidermis
Powder + Sudan red III Pink colour Cuticle
Powder +Dilute iodine solution No Blue colour Hemicellulose Absent
+Conc. Sulphuric acid
Powder + Dilute HCl Insoluble Calcium oxalate crystal are
absent
Powder+ Sulphuric acid. Green colour Stone cell are present

Powder + Dil. iodine solution. Blue Starch in endodermis is presents

Table.No140: Microchemical test of Trichosanthes tricuspidata fruit powder

9.7 Powder analysis of Diplocyclos palmatus leaf

9.7.1 Preliminary test

Powder was dark green in colour; presence characteristic odour and bitter in taste
(Table No 141).

Sr. No. Test Observation Inference

l Colour Dark green Leaf drug
2 Odour Characteristic Aromatic crude drug
3 Taste Bitter Drug contain triterpenoids
Table No141: Preliminary test of D. palmatus leaf powder

9.7.2 Microscopical observation of D. palmatus leaf powder

Microscopic study of powder reveals the presence of, starch granules and oil
globules (Fig No 109).
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9.7.3 Micro chemical tests

The micro chemical test of Diplocyclos palmatus leaf powder reveals the presence
of cuticle, starch grains, hemicellulose. Calcium oxalate crystal, mucilaginous cells,
lignified cells and stone cells were absent (Table No 142).

Reagent Observation Characteristics.

Phloroglucinol + Conc. HCl No pink colour Lignified cells are absent

Power+ Ruthenium red No pink colour mucilaginous cells are absent in

epidermis
Powder + Sudan red III Pink colour Cuticle
Powder + Dilute iodine Blue colour Hemicellulose present
solution +Conc. Sulphuric acid
Powder +Dilute HCl Insoluble Calcium oxalate crystal are absent
Powder + Sulphuric acid. Brown colour Stone cell are absent

Powder + Dil. iodine solution. Blue Starch in endodermis is presents

Table No.142: Microchemical test of Diplocyclos palmatus leaf powder

9.8 Powder analysis of Diplocyclos palmatus fruit

9.8.1 Preliminary test

Powder was dark brown colours, specific odour and bitter taste. (Table No 143).

Sr. No. Test Observation Inference

l Colour Dark green Leaf drug
2 Odour Characteristic Aromatic crude drug
3 Taste Bitter Drug contain triterpenoids
Table No 143: Preliminary test of D. palmatus fruit powder

9.8.2 Microscopical observation of D. palmatus fruit powder

Microscopic study reveals the presence of calcium oxalate crystals and oval
epidermal cells (Fig No 110).

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9.8.3 Micro chemical tests

The micro chemical test of Diplocyclos palmatus fruit powder reveals the presence of
cuticle, starch grains, hemicellulose, mucilaginous cells and calcium oxalate crystal.
Lignified cells and stone cells were absent (Table No 144).

Reagent Observation Characteristics.

Phloroglucinol + Conc. HCl No pink colour Lignified cells are absent

Power+ Ruthenium red pink colour mucilaginous cells are present in

epidermis
Powder + Sudan red III Pink colour Cuticle
Powder +Dilute iodine solution Blue colour Hemicellulose present
+Conc. Sulphuric acid
Powder + Dilute HCl Soluble Calcium oxalate crystal are present
Powder + Sulphuric acid. Brown colour Stone cell are absent

Powder + Dil. iodine solution. Blue Starch in endodermis is presents

Table No144: Microchemical test of Diplocyclos palmatus fruit powder

9.9 Powder analysis of Cucumis setosus leaf

9.9.1 Preliminary test

Powder was green colours, specific odour and bitter taste (Table No 145).

Sr. No. Test Observation Inference

l Colour Green Leaf drug
2 Odour Specific Aromatic crude drug
3 Taste Bitter Drug contain alkaloids
Table No145: Preliminary test of C. setosus leaf powder

9.9.2 Microscopical observation of C. setosus leaf powder

Microscopic study reveals the presence of broken parenchyma cells and starch
granules (Fig No 111).

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9.9.3 Micro chemical tests

The micro chemical test of Cucumis setosus leaf powder reveals the presence of
cuticle, starch grains, hemicellulose and lignified cells, stone cells, calcium oxalate
crystal were absent (Table No 146).

Reagent Observation Characteristics.

Phloroglucinol + Conc. HCl Pink colour Lignified cells are present

Power+ Ruthenium red No pink Mucilaginous cells are absent in

colour epidermis
Powder + Sudan red III Pink colour Cuticle
Powder +Dilute iodine solution + Blue colour Hemicellulose present
Conc. Sulphuric acid
Powder + Dilute HCl Insoluble Calcium oxalate crystal are
absent
Powder+ Sulphuric acid. Brown colour Stone cell are absent

Powder + Dil. iodine solution. Blue Starch in endodermis is presents

Table No146: Microchemical test of Cucumis setosus leaf powder

9.10 Powder analysis of Cucumis setosus fruit

9.10.1 Preliminary test

Powder was brown colours, specific odour and bitter taste (Table No 147).

Sr. No. Test Observation Inference

l Colour Brown Fruit drug
2 Odour Specific Aromatic crude drug
3 Taste Bitter Drug contain triterpenoids
Table No147: Preliminary test of C. setosus fruit powder

9.10.2 Microscopical observation of C. setosus fruit powder

Microscopic study reveals the presence of oil globules and starch granules (Fig
No 112).

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9.10.3 Microchemical tests

The microchemical test of Cucumis setosus fruit powder reveals the presence of
lignified cells, cuticle, starch grains, hemicellulose and lignified cells. Stone cells,
calcium oxalate crystal were absent (Table No 148).

Reagent Observation Characteristics.

Phloroglucinol + Conc. HCl Pink colour Lignified cells are present

Power+ Ruthenium red pink colour mucilaginous cells are present in

epidermis
Powder + Sudan red III Pink colour Cuticle
Powder +Dilute iodine solution Blue colour Hemicellulose present
+Conc. Sulphuric acid
Powder+ Dilute HCl Insoluble Calcium oxalate crystal are absent
Powder+ Sulphuric acid. Brown Stone cell are absent
colour
Powder + Dil. iodine solution. Blue colour Starch in endodermis is presents

Table No148: Microchemical test of Cucumis setosus fruit powder

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