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Pharmacognostic studies of stem, roots and leaves of Malva parviflora L.
Authors: Shehla Akbar, Uzma Hanif , Jaffar Ali, Saiqa Ishtiaq
Number of views: 363
Objective: To establish quality control parameters of a locally occurring medicinal plant, Malva
parviflora which is utilized as folk medicine in Sialkot area in Pakistan.
Methods: In pharmacognostic studies different types of evaluations were carried out that focus
on microscopic, macroscopic, fluorescence analysis and organoleptic evaluations.
Results: The distinguishing characters of stem were the presence of parenchyma, cork cells,
irregular shape calcium oxalate crystals, simple and compound starch granules and fusiform
fi
bers with pits. Root microscopic characters were presence of simple and spherical starch
granules with rounded or slit hilum, groups of lignified xylem fibers, reticulate vessels, and sieve
tissues. Leaves microscopy indicated the presence of paracytic stomata, lignified fibers having
pits, spiral and annular vessels, numerous sclereids while in fruit microscopy epicarp, thin walled
cells endocarp, thin walled parenchyma and collenchyma of mesocarp and abundant thick walled
endospermic cells containing aleurone grains and micro rosette crystals. Macroscopic study of
leaves showed, 5-7 lobed reniform-shape, glabrous-surface, reticulate-venation in the leaves.
Macroscopic features of roots showed type of root-taproot, surface-glabrous and stem was 1-10
dm tall simple to branched and may be prostrate or ascending. Similarly fruit was of schizocarp
type.
Conclusions: This study provides the scientific data for the proper identification and
establishment of standards for the use of Malva parviflora.