Pharmacognostic, Physicochemical, and Preliminary Phytochemical Evaluation of the Leaves of Jatropha gossypiifolia Linn.

Abstract

Background: Jatropha gossypiifolia Linn. is a medicinal plant of the family Euphorbiaceae for which pharmacognostic and quality-control information is useful for authentication of crude leaf material. Objective: The present study evaluated the pharmacognostic, physicochemical and preliminary phytochemical characteristics of J. gossypiifolia leaves. Materials and Methods: Leaves were collected from Nellikuppam, Cuddalore, Tamil Nadu, India, in January 2026 and authenticated by a botanist. Macroscopic and organoleptic characters, transverse anatomical features, leaf constants and powder microscopy were examined. Foreign organic matter, loss on drying, ash values and solvent-soluble extractive values were determined. A hydroalcoholic leaf extract was subjected to preliminary phytochemical screening using qualitative chemical tests. Results: The leaves were alternate and palmately lobed, with a deeply cordate base, glandular margins and a relatively long petiole. Anatomical examination showed a dorsiventral lamina, distinct vascular bundles, glandular and nonglandular trichomes, calcium oxalate crystals and characteristic latex-containing tissues. The leaf was hypostomatic, with anomocytic stomata on the lower surface. Stomatal number on the lower epidermis was 225–275/mm² and stomatal index was 15.78–17.46. Powder microscopy revealed epidermal cells with stomata, trichomes, xylem vessels with scalariform, spiral and pitted thickenings, fibres, crystals, palisade tissue, petiole fragments and oil droplets. Foreign organic matter was reported as nil and loss on drying as 18%. Extractive values ranged from 2.70% to 16.20% w/w. Preliminary screening indicated alkaloids, carbohydrates, saponins, tannins, mucilage, flavonoids, coumarins and volatile oils, while glycosides, phytosterols, terpenoids, triterpenoids, fixed oils/fats and gums were reported as absent. Conclusion: The documented morphological, anatomical, physicochemical and preliminary phytochemical characteristics provide reference data for authentication and quality assessment of J. gossypiifolia leaves.