Morpho-Anatomical Studies on Secamone emetica (Retz.) R. Br. ex Sm.-An Endemic Medicinal Plant

Background: Secamone emetica belongs to the family Apocynaceae (globally known to possess a broad spectrum of therapeutic properties). In folkloric medicine this plant is used to treat headache, leucorrhoea, fever, dysentery, etc. Paliyan tribes of Sirumalai Hills use this plant to treat nervous disorders. Objectives: The objective of the present study is to evaluate the morpho-anatomical features of Secamone emetica (Apocynaceae), an endemic medicinal plant of South India. Materials and Methods: Stem sections of Secamone emetica were taken with the help of a Rotary Microtome. Powder microscopic analysis was done using standard procedures. Results: Intraxylary phloem, mucilage cells, prismatic crystals, laticifers, xylem with solitary vessels, longer vessel elements, vasicentric tracheids and uniseriate hetero cellular medullary rays were observed. Powder microscopic studies revealed the presence of cork cells, bordered pitted vessels, fibro sclereid, and prismatic crystals. Conclusion: The present findings will be helpful in the correct identification and standardization of Secamone emetica.