Abstract:
Background: Erigeron canadensis L. is an erect annual herb belonging to the family Asteraceae. Aerial parts are used in Homoeopathy
for bruises, cough, dysuria, gonorrhea, haemorrhages, haemorrhoids, spermatorrhea, and wounds. Objective: The pharmacognostic
and physicochemical studies have been carried out to facilitate the use of correct species and lay down standards of raw drug materials.
Materials and Methods: Pharmacognostic studies of the leaf and stem of authentic samples of E. canadensis L. have been carried out.
Physicochemical parameters of the raw drug include extractive values, ash value, and formulation; besides weight per mL, total solids, and
alcohol content, high‑performance thin layer chromatography (HPTLC) and ultraviolet (UV) studies are given. Results: Epidermal cells
often possess crystals of calcium oxalate. Stomata are anomocytic, anisocytic, and tetracytic types. Trichomes are uniseriate and conical
in structure. The mid vein in transection is flat on adaxial and is ribbed toward abaxial, with a secretory cavity beneath the central vascular
bundle. Stem in transection is round. The vascular tissue is made of several vascular bundles in a ring. Crystals of calcium oxalate occur
in the epidermis, cortex, and pith of stem. In mature stem, secondary xylem is well developed with a reduced phloem. The determined
physicochemical data, namely, extractive values, ash values, and preparation of for raw drug and weight per mL, total solids, and alcohol
content besides UV and HPTLC profile for finished product are provided. Conclusions: The presented morphoanatomical features along
with powder microscopic and organoleptic characters and physicochemical data are diagnostic to establish the standards for ensuring
quality and purity of the drug.
