Twelve different species belonging to Andrographis, Enicostema, Exacum, Indoneesiella, Peristrophe and Swertia are used as crude drugs under the common name Chirayat depending on region specific availability and diverse traditions all over the country. The crude drug is available in the local market in the form of whole plant consisting of stems, twigs with flowers and fruits. Microscopic characterization of powder sample revealed the presence of seeds with beautiful surface ornamentation. The observations indicated potential for using seed morphology as identification character. The seed surface morphology of twelve species was studied using light microscope (LM) and scanning electron microscope (SEM). The studies revealed species specific variations with reference to shape, size, colour and particularly surface. Authentication keys for Chirayat complex based on variations have been proposed.
Key words: Chirayat species, seed morphology, surface structure.
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