Vitex doniana Fruit and Milletia aboensis Root; A Pharmacognostic Profiling

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Vitex doniana and Milletia aboensis are used in traditional medicine to treat a wide range of diseases. The study aims to determine the pharmacognostic qualities of these plants. Organoleptic, microscopy, histochemical, physicochemical, and phytochemical profiling were all examined. V. doniana fruit powder revealed a reddish-black powder with an odor and a sweet flavor, but M. aboensis root powder revealed a tasteless milky color powder with an uncharacteristic odor. Microscopic examination of V. doniana fruit powder revealed a lignified heart-shaped, elongated stone cell, secretory gland attached to lignified vessel element, strands of fiber cells, and oil cells, whereas M. aboensis root powder revealed prisms of calcium oxalate crystals, cork cells, lignified spiral vessels, and fiber elements. Histochemical analysis revealed that both plants contained cellulose, lignin, and starch. Calcium oxalate crystal was seen in M. aboensis while protein bodies, fats and oil, gum, and mucilage were seen in only V. doniana. Physicochemical analysis of V. doniana fruit and M. aboensis root indicated moisture content (14.68 and 8.80 %), total ash (11.75 and 9.00 %), acid insoluble ash (2.00 and 2.50 %), water-soluble ash (2.60 and 6.00 %), water-soluble extractive (10.02 and 6.60 %), and alcohol soluble extractive (9.80 and 3.20 %) respectively. The phytochemical study revealed that both plant extracts have a high concentration of phytocompounds. Ethyl acetate fractions of both plants contained the most phenolic phytoconstituents. This research will aid in the development of drug pharmacopeia standards, verifying authenticity, and preventing adulteration.