Pharmacognostic and Phytochemical Evaluation of Quirivelia frutescens (Apocynaceae)

Quirivelia frutescens (Apocynaceae) also known as kalidudhi or shymlata is much branched twining shrub of West Bengal. It is used by natives as wound healing, digestive etc. However the plant is not much explored pharmacognostically and phytochemically, therefore the aim of this study was to evaluate pharmacognostic and phytochemical characteristics of plant Quirivelia fructescens. Microscopy of leaves showed distinct bicollateral vascular bundle,single layer of palisade, and well defined anomocytic stomata. Presence of calcium oxalate crystal in the form of thin pointed needle and xylem vessels with circular bordered pits were observed in the stem.
The total ash, acid insoluble and water-soluble ash were found to be within the limit as compared to other plants belonging to Apocyanaceae family. The preliminary phytochemical studies indicated the presence of alkaloids and tannins. Phytochemical analysis, like TLC, UV, IR NMR, GCMS, were carried out by using the extract of stem. In TLC, the R_f value was found to be 0.77, which is near to many alkaloids. In C₁₃ NMR, the peak showed the presence of unsaturation between conjugated carbon of alkaloid and steroid group and saturated ring substituted with aliphatic chain. GCMS study showed the presence of eight chemicals constituent in the extract. In UV, the λ_max was found between 331 to 337 nm and peak indicated the presence of unsaturation.
Thus, from the above study, it can be concluded that the plant Quirivalia fructescens, has rich content of alkaloid, steroid and tannins.