A Comprehensive Study on Morpho-anatomy, Embryogeny and Histochemical Localisation of Traditional Siddha Medicinal Plant Senkizhanelli (Phyllanthus urinaria L.)

Background: Phyllanthus urinaria L. is an important plant used to treat oral diseases, diarrhea, hepatitis, jaundice and many other health problems related to the urinary system in Siddha and various traditional medical systems. Aim: The present study describes the morpho-anatomical characteristics and histochemical localisation of P. urinaria L. (family Phyllanthaceae) for precisely identifying crude drugs procured from its leaf, stem, root, and fruit through microscopic study. Methods: Anatomical studies and determination of leaf constants, as well as histochemical localisation of metabolites, were determined as per standard protocols. Results: This study showed the presence of paracytic amphistomatous leaves with trichomes throughout leaf blades. The anatomical study of different parts of the plant revealed that the ground tissue of the petiole with various cellular contents including calcium oxalate crystals, brown contents and oil globules, branchlet with angular projections, significant secondary growth in both stem and root, the node with unilacunar stele, and tri carpellate dehiscent fruit showed axile placentation with six seeds with bitegmic coat layers and Capsella variation of the onagrad type of embryogeny. Histochemical study disclosed the major localising zones of various phytochemicals in P. urinaria. Conclusions: The histo-anatomical profile obtained through the present study may help in the authentication and establishment of the monograph standards of P. urinaria. Major Findings: The distribution of paracytic stomata and non-glandular trichomes were significant as observed in quantitative microscopic analysis of the leaf. The anatomical differences in primary and secondary stems and roots revealed remarkable growth of vascular elements. The embryonic development is an important characteristic in the ontogenic developmental pathway of fruit and seed.