Abstract

*S. Uma Alias Subbulakshmi, Prof. Dr. Ravi Shankar, Prof. Dr. Meghalingam and Prof. Dr. Nirmal Kumar

ABSTRACT

Annona muricata L. belongs to the family annonaceae commonly called as soursop, is an interesting plant known for its edible fleshy fruit resembling Annona squamosa. Fruits and seeds of A. muricata are used in the folk medicine for treatment of various diseases. The fruit is known to possess anti-cancer properties and it is believed that consumption of the fruit may prevent cancer. In present investigation, the anatomical structure, histochemical localization of storage chemicals, physicochemical analysis, powder drug analysis and thin layer chromatography were performed on the mature seed. The anatomical structure shows the presence of multilayered seed coat with three different layers of testa namely exo, meso and endo testa, the tegmen is found to be collapsed. The rumination extends into the endosperm and idioblast cells are seen on the either side of thick walled rumination. Histochemical staining revealed that the endosperm is rich in lipids and proteins. Idioblast cells show positive colouration with different stains and reagent indicating the presence of various biochemical substances like alkaloids, lipids. Physicochemical analysis results, especially extractive values show that the seed is rich in phytochemicals. Powder drug and fluorescence analysis revealed the potential chemical properties of seed powder for evaluation as drug. Thin layer chromatography result indicated the presence of phenolic substances.