DECODING NATURE'S PHARMACY: PHARMACOGNOSTICAL PROFILING OF ALLAMANDA BLANCHETII ROOT

In the present study, pharmacognostical investigations were undertaken on the root of Allamanda blanchetii. The plant was identified and authenticated by Dr. V. Rama Rao, Research Officer (Botany), Central Ayurveda Research Institute, Bengaluru. Macroscopical examinations of the root were subsequently carried out. Detailed pharmacognostical evaluation of the root was carried out to establish diagnostic features for identification and authentication. Transverse section revealed an exfoliating brownish cork followed by multiple layers of phellogen and a tangentially arranged phelloderm. The cortex was broad, composed of compact parenchymatous cells containing simple to compound starch grains and prismatic crystals. Beneath the cortex, phloem tissue was observed with uni- and biseriate medullary rays, also embedded with starch grains. Xylem vessels were diffuse porous, evenly distributed, and surrounded by fibres. Longitudinal section exhibited bordered pitted vessels and abundant starch grains. Root powder appeared creamish in colour. Powder microscopy confirmed the presence of cork cells, fibres, pitted stone cells, pitted tracheids, starch grains, crystal fibres, prismatic crystals, and crystal aggregates. These anatomical and microscopic characteristics serve as reliable pharmacogenetic markers for the root drug, supporting its quality control and standardization.