A study for Quality Assessment of the Dried Seeds of Benincasa hispida

This specification covers the standardization and preliminary phytochemical investigation of the plant Benincasa hispida (Cucurbitaceae). It is widely used as antiulcer, anti-angiogenic, bronchodilator, in opioid withdrawal benefit, anti-diabetic and in mental disability. The plant material was subjected to pharmacognostical studies like macroscopic and microscopic studies (powder microscopy, micrometry, histochemical tests and transverse section). The microscopic characters revealed the presence of: Seeds [lignified trichomes found in groups (17.28μ,1.62μ), transparent fibers (70.20μ, 1.35μ), round shaped oil cells (9.45μ) found in thin walled parenchyma cells, parenchyma cells with wrinkled walls and lignified spiral vessels (52.38μ, 1.48μ)] mesocarp [lignified covering trichomes (27.43μ, 1.73μ) fibers (34.10μ, 2.22μ), lignified parenchyma cells (14.58) and vascular bundles]. Dried plant material was subjected to various physiochemical parameters like hot extraction, ash values, cold maceration, thin layer chromatography with different solvents and at different wavelengths, fluorescent analysis, loss on drying, foaming index, swelling index, successive extraction. The preliminary phytochemical investigation revealed the presence of amino acids, triterpenoids, tannins, carbohydrates. These parameters can be utilized for quick identification of the Benincasa hispida and are particularly useful in powdered form.