Foliar Macro-micro-morphology of Capparis zeylanica L.

Introduction: Capparis zeylanica L. (Ātontai) commonly referred as the Rasayana drug in traditional system of medicine is also used ethnomedicinally as a therapeutic agent. for variety of diseases throughout India. The present study was taken up to evaluate the macro-microscopic characterization for the authentication of leaves of Capparis zeylanica. Methods: Dried leaves were collected from Mettur, Tamil Nadu. The macroscopic and microscopic details including powder were studied following the standard pharmacopoeial procedures. Results: Macroscopically leaves are pubescent with petiole containing small stipular spines. Microscopically, transverse section of the petiole consists of parenchyma, ceratenchyma and vascular bundles; midrib comprises of parenchyma, collenchyma and vascular bundles and lamina contains epidermis, differentiated mesophyll cells and embedded vascular bundles. Quantitative Microscopy was carried out and the epidermal number, stomatal number, stomatal index, vein islet number, vein islet ratio, palisade ratio were recorded. Powder microscopy of leaves showed the presence of wavy epidermal cells, stellate trichomes, parenchyma, groups of thick walled fibres, tracheids, spiral vessels and numerous stone cells. Conclusion: The study provides concise information on the pharmacognosy of Capparis zeylanica L.