Pharmacognostic Evaluation of Melilotus officinalis Linn.

Background: Melilotus officinalis Linn. (Fabaceae) historically has been used for a variety of medicinal purposes. Despite the popular medicinal utilization, still no conclusive study has been reported so far regarding the pharmacognostical standardization. Aim: Thus, the present study was focused to scientifically establish a standard monograph of M. officinalis on the basis of pharmacognostical parameters. Material and methods: The detailed macroscopic and qualitative as well as quantitative microscopic characters of M. officinalis were analyzed. Results: The morphological characters of M. officinalis were established. The transverse section of leaf shows lamina with single layered epidermis, anomocytic stomata, mesophyll, midrib with single layered epidermis and vascular strands were present in lamina. Stem contains single layered epidermis, cortex with several layers, phloem, xylem and starch grains. Root shows the presence of cork, phloem, xylem and starch grains. The powder characteristics of M. officinalis revels the presence of Epidermis, stomata, cork, parenchyma, mesophyll, fibers, spiral and pitted xylem vessels. The quantitative microscopy of leaf of M. officinalis reveals Stomatal number Upper surface (28.75 ± 2.5), Lower surface (38.37 ± 2.5); Stomatal index Upper surface (13.10 ± 1.50) Lower surface (12.58 ± 1.10); Vein islet number (96.25 ± 4.79), Vein termination number (27.50 ± 2.87) and Palisade ratio 6.5 ± 0.58. Conclusion: The obtained qualitative and quantitative standards would serve as a useful guide for correct identification, purity, standardization and preparation of monograph of M. officinalis.