Seed to Standard: A Pharmacognostical Insight into Abutilon indicum (L.) Sweet for Herbal Quality Control

Abstract

Abutilon indicum (L.) Sweet, commonly known as Indian mallow or Atibala, holds significant value in traditional medicine systems such as Ayurveda for its therapeutic properties. Despite its historical use, particularly of the seeds, comprehensive pharmacognostical documentation remains limited. This study presents a detailed pharmacognostic evaluation of A. indicum seeds, including macroscopic, microscopic, and powder analyses. Macroscopic observation identified the seeds as reniform, hairy, brownish-black, with a characteristic odor and bitter taste. Microscopic examinations revealed diagnostic features such as multicellular hooked trichomes, a lignified palisade layer in the testa, starch-rich cotyledons with cluster crystals, and developing vascular tissue in the radicle. Powder microscopy confirmed the presence of oil globules, cluster crystals, starch grains, and trichomes. These diagnostic characteristics aid in the accurate identification, authentication, and standardization of the seeds, supporting their safe inclusion in herbal preparations and contributing to pharmacopeial quality standards.