Pharmacognostic Evaluation of Key Ingredient of Valampuritailam: Helicteres isora L. fruit

Introduction: Helicteres isora L. is commonly known as Indian screw tree is described in indigenous medicinal systems as an important medicinal plant. It is a rich source of nutrients and antioxidants having high therapeutic values. Different parts of plant are used in various traditional systems for treating various ailments. Due to the healing property of fruits it is being exploited in the preparation of Siddha formulation Valampuritailam. Method: The fruit samples were collected from Siddha Medicinal Plant Garden, Mettur and pharmacognostic studies like macro-microscopic studies, powder microscopy, etc. were carried out to evaluate the drug for authentication. The twisted appearance of fruit is characteristic feature of plant. The microscopic study showed presence of three distinct layers in the fruit namely epicarp, mesocarp and endocarp. The powder showed characters like stellate trichomes, prismatic crystals and endosperm cells. Discussion: The plant is confused in the ayurvedic descriptions with that of Marsdinea tenassicima W. & A. and leaves show similarity with Grevia asiatica Linn. But the fruits can be easily distinguished as it is having twisted appearance. The twists look like intestine which indicates its use in abdominal disorders. Conclusion: The present study aims the pharmacognostical characterization of fruit of H. isorato fulfill the authentication of the drug.