Abstract

MICROMORPHOLOGY OF CALCIUM OXALATE CRYSTALS IN SELECTED MEDICINAL PLANTS

Krishnan V., Munuswamy E.*, Nandhagopal K. and Amerjothy S.

Abstract

Calcium oxalate crystals, one of the major ergastic constituents excreted in the plant cells, have been subjected to intensive studies by many pioneer investigators. The crystal profile of the plant organ was said to be inconsistent in the sense that no specific crystal habit can be assigned to a particular species. However, a comprehensive survey of crystal habits in several medicinal plants, where crystal deposition is very high, was carried out. The result of the present study lends support to the application of crystals in the Botanical diagnosis of crude herbal drugs. Polarized light microscopy considerably enhances the utility of crystal morphology and topography in herbal drug standardization.

Keywords: Calcium Oxalate crystals, ergastic constituents, polarized light, herbal drug, standardization.