The Journal of Phytopharmacology 2025; 14(3):141-148 DOI:10.31254/phyto.2025.14303

Research Article

Pharmacognostic evaluation of stem and leaf of Hippophae rhamnoides subsp. turkestanica Rousi. a multipurpose taxon

Sonam Tamchos¹ , Talat Anjum¹ , Jaffer Hussain¹

Sonam Tamchos,Talat Anjum,Jaffer Hussain

1. Regional Ayurveda Research Institute (CCRAS), Ministry of AYUSH, Govt. of India, Bantalab, Jammu-181123, Jammu and Kashmir, India

*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.

Received: 6th May, 2025 / Accepted: 12th June, 2025 / Published : 31st July, 2025

Abstract

Background: Hippophae L. belongs to the family Elaeagnaceae. It is a thorny, deciduous, hardy shrub/small tree wildly growing varied conditions. According to the available literatures, it is widely used in traditional medicinal systems. The plant comprises of pharmacological activities including anti-atherogenic, anti-cancer, anti-microbial, anti-stress, cytoprotective, hepatoprotective, immunomodulatory, radioprotective, and tissue regeneration. Objective: The focus of the study was to determine the pharmacognostic characters and physicochemical analysis of the stem and leaf of Hippophae rhamnoides subsp. turkestanica Rousi. Materials and Methods: The plant parts, i.e., stem and leaves, were collected from Skurbuchan, located at 34° 26' 07" N and 76° 42' 38" E in the Union Territory of Ladakh, India. The macroscopic features were studied under stereomicroscope whereas, the microscopic observations and powder microscopy were carried out using trinocular microscope under different magnifications. The physicochemical properties such as LoD, Ash value, water and alcohol soluble extractive value, and Acid insoluble ash were determined as prescribed in the Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India. Results: The study reveals that the transverse section (T.S.) of the stem shows the xylem as the dominant tissue, with laticiferous canals and fiber patches in the cortical area. The leaf's epidermis consists of tangentially elongated cells with a thin cuticle and stellate hairs on both surfaces. The midrib contains phloem with laticiferous cells and a xylem arranged in a semicircular pattern. The Powder microscopy also supports the features, including palmate and stellate hairs, glandular trichomes, vessels with thickening, and rhomboidal calcium oxalate crystals. The results of the physicochemical parameters were recorded in % w/w and the lowest is reported in the stem and maximum in the case of leaf. The value of loss on drying is more or less similar (0.03% & 0.06), whereas the alcohol and water extractive values are recorded higher in leaf than in the stem. Total ash content in stem and leaf is 1.25% and 1.5%, and the acid-insoluble ash value is also comparatively higher in leaf. Conclusion: The study will help to identify and authenticate crude drug/raw materials or those in powder  form, even when added to a formulation as ingredients from adulteration, and also form a base for future studies on formulations.