Microscopical Investigation of Punica granatum L. Flower: A Traditional Drug with Vivid Therapeutic Promise

Abstract

Background The present study was conducted to lay down the microscopic examination of Punica granatum L. flower. This taxon's leaves, flowers, fruits and bark are known to possess medicinal properties. It is rich in vitamins C and K, potassium and dietary fiber and has antioxidants, anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer (Prostate), antidiabetic, anti-lipidemic, anti-hypertensive, heart-protective effects, Hepatoprotective and Immune system support properties. Results The microscopy of the flower shows characteristic wing-like structures of the pedicel and its bicollateral vascular bundles, 5 locular ovary; each with more than 2 anatropous ovules, groups of sclereids forming the inner and outer bands in the receptacle that support ovary. Diagnostic features of powder microscopy include tricolpate pollen grains of 15.34 µm to 23.68 µm, tannin-filled cells, pitted sclereids of receptacle measuring 67.66 µm to 113.73 µm, rosette (17.51 µm-24.26 µm), prismatic (22.24 µm-103.52 µm) and rhomboidal (18.95 µm) crystal of calcium oxalate, presence of duct and glandular trichomes. Conclusion The current microscopic study aids not only in the identification of crude drug material but also in establishing the standardization parameters. Further, the results of this study indicated its peculiar characteristics such as the bicollateral position of vascular cells, the presence of rosette crystals of calcium oxalate, the presence of ducts and glandular trichomes exhibiting the presence of secondary metabolites in the flower.

Keywords: Punica granatum Linn; Microscopy; Standardization