PJB-2019-1533
Pharmacognostic evaluation and instrumental analysis (SEM) for the standardization of Piper nigrum L., (black pepper) fruit
Najma Shaheen, Shahlla Imam, Rafi Akhter Sultan, Safia Abidi, Iqbal Azhar and Zafar Alam Mahmood
Abstract
Piper nigrum, commonly known as “black pepper” has been used in folk medicine in the treatment of various ailments i.e., cold, flu, fever, headaches, nasal congestion, improves digestive health, and enhances brain health. Piperine is an active constituent having various pharmacological properties such as anti-fungal, anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, analgesic, and diuretic etc. The present study was aimed to assess the pharmacognostic characters and standardize the Piper nigrum fruit for identification, and authentication. Macro-microscopic characterization and heavy metal profile (trace elements) were determined using standard analytical methods. The macroscopic study revealed the blackish to brown color seed, aromatic odor, pungent taste and almost globular shaped with wrinkled surface, while powder microscopic analysis indicated the presence of tissue such as perisperm, epicarp, stone cells, and sclereids cells etc. The scanning electron microscopy (SEM) of the sample showed the presence of micro particles. While energy dispersive x-ray spectrometer (EDAX) showed the C, O, K, Mg, Ca, and Cl elements. These specific identities will be useful in authentication and standardization of the crude drug as well as to control the adulterations and differentiate the different varieties of black pepper drug
To Cite this article:
Shaheen, N., S. Imam, R.A. Sultan, S. Abidi, I. Azhar and Z.A. Mahmood. 2019. Pharmacognostic evaluation and instrumental analysis (SEM) for the standardization of Piper nigrum L., (black pepper) fruit. Pak. J. Bot., 51(5): DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.30848/PJB2019-5(32)
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