Skip to main navigation menu Skip to main content Skip to site footer
Plant Science Today (PST)

Research Articles

Early Access

Microscopic and powder characteristics of Homalomena cochinchinensis (Lour.) Schott for pharmacognostic identification and quality control

DOI
https://doi.org/10.14719/pst.10338
Submitted
28 June 2025
Published
10-01-2026

Abstract

This study examines the microscopic and powder characteristics of Homalomena cochinchinensis, a valued medicinal plant in Vietnam, which is widely used to treat arthritis, muscle pain, skin wounds and digestive issues. The aim was to pinpoint unique features for accurate species identification and quality control. Samples from Tay Ninh, Vietnam, were studied by slicing roots, rhizomes, leaves, petioles and leaf sheaths for microscopic analysis and processing rhizome powder. The findings revealed distinct markers, including thick tissue layers, ring-shaped vascular bundles and needle-shaped or rhombohedral calcium oxalate crystals. The rhizome powder, sifted through a 0.150 mm sieve, produced particles smaller than 9 µm, ideal for efficiently extracting medicinal compounds. These characteristics enable reliable identification of H. cochinchinensis, distinguish it from similar species, establish quality benchmarks for herbal products. The fine powder supports consistent extraction of active compounds, aiding the development of effective medicinal formulations. These findings provide a foundation for further pharmacological research to ensure safe and effective use traditional and modern medicinal.

References

  1. 1. Boyce PC, Wong SY. Studies on Homalomeneae (Araceae) of Borneo I. Four new species and preliminary thoughts on informal species groups in Sarawak. Gardens’ Bulletin Singapore. 2008;60(1).
  2. 2. Mayo SJ, Bogner J, Boyce PC. The genera of Araceae. Springer Nature; 1998. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-662-03531-3_7
  3. 3. Barua CC, Talukdar A, Phukan B, Hazarika S, Barua AG, Baishya G. Phytochemical screening and in vitro antioxidant activity of ethanolic extract of Homalomena aromatica (Araceae) root. Der Pharma Lett. 2014;6(1):128-38.
  4. 4. Ali MS, Sayem SAJ, Habibullah, Quah Y, Lee EB, Birhanu BT, et al. Investigation of potential antioxidant, thrombolytic and neuropharmacological activities of Homalomena aromatica leaves using experimental and in silico approaches. Molecules. 2021;26(4):975. https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules26040975
  5. 5. Dam SM, Van HT. Chemical profiles and biological activities of essential oils of Arisaema and Homalomena species (Araceae). Journal of Phytology. 2022;14:41-49. https://doi.org/10.25081/jp.2022.v14.7444
  6. 6. Loi DT. Vietnamese medicinal plants and herbs. Medical Publishing House; 2004.
  7. 7. Nguyen LTK, Doan TQ, Nguyen PQD, Nguyen CBH, Tran LTT, Tran TVA, et al. Phytochemical composition and bioactivities of essential oils from rhizomes of Homalomena pendula and Homalomena cochinchinensis. Nat Prod Commun. 2023;18(5):1-6. https://doi.org/10.1177/1934578X231175263
  8. 8. Nguyen LTK, Nguyen PQD, Doan NAT, Nguyen CBH, Doan TQ, Tran LTT, et al. Volatile components and biological activities of n-hexane extract from rhizomes of Homalomena cochinchinensis. Nat Prod Commun. 2023;18(4):1-5. https://doi.org/10.1177/1934578X231168481
  9. 9. Van HT, Le NT, Nguyen DL, Tran GB, An Huynh NT, Vo HS, et al. Chemical profile and antibacterial activity of acetone extract of Homalomena cochinchinensis Engl. (Araceae). Plant Sci Today. 2021;8(1):58-65. https://doi.org/10.14719/pst.2021.8.1.971
  10. 10. Pandey A, Tripathi S. Concept of standardization, extraction and pre-phytochemical screening strategies for herbal drug. J Pharmacogn Phytochem. 2014;2(5):115-19.
  11. 11. Schmelzer GH, Gurib-Fakim A, Schmelzer GH. Medicinal plants. Vol. 11. Prota; 2008.
  12. 12. Zhou M, Bai W, Li Q, Guo Y, Zhang WH. Root anatomical traits influence leaf-level physiology and responses to precipitation changes in herbaceous species of a temperate steppe. New Phytologist. 2021;229(3):1481-91. https://doi.org/10.1111/nph.16797
  13. 13. Pfister A, Barberon M, Alassimone J, Kalmbach L, Lee Y, Vermeer JEM, et al. A receptor-like kinase mutant with absent endodermal diffusion barrier displays selective nutrient homeostasis defects. ELife. 2014;3:e03115. https://doi.org/10.7554/eLife.03115
  14. 14. Lee Y, Rubio MC, Alassimone J, Geldner N. A mechanism for localized lignin deposition in the endodermis. Cell. 2013;153(2):402-12. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cell.2013.02.045
  15. 15. Lindsay P, Swentowsky KW, Jackson D. Cultivating potential: Harnessing plant stem cells for agricultural crop improvement. Molecular Plant. 2024;17:50-74. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.molp.2023.12.014
  16. 16. Kumar D, Kumar K, Kumar S, Kumar T, Kumar A, Prakash O. Pharmacognostic evaluation of leaf and root bark of Holoptelea integrifolia Roxb. Asian Pac J Trop Biomed. 2012;2(3):169-75. https://doi.org/10.1016/S2221-1691(12)60036-7
  17. 17. Franceschi VR, Nakata PA. Calcium oxalate in plants: Formation and function. Annu Rev Plant Biol. 2005;56:41-71. https://doi.org/10.1146/annurev.arplant.56.032604.144106
  18. 18. Azwanida NN. A review on the extraction methods use in medicinal plants, principle, strength and limitation. Med Aromat Plants. 2015;4(196):2167-412.
  19. 19. WHO. Quality control methods for herbal materials. World Health Organization; 2011.

Downloads

Download data is not yet available.