Morphoanatomy and phytochemical screening of entire fruits of Momordica tuberosa Cogn. (Cucurbitaceae)

Abstract

Momordica tuberosa (Cucurbitaceae) is traditionally used as abortifacient in India. Morphoanatomy, physicochemical and phytochemical nature of fruits and seeds of this plant were studied in order to contribute to complete the profile of these parts to aid in their identification and avoid confusion in taxanomic species. Macroscopic and microscopic characters were established using light microscopy, WHO recommendations and standard physicochemical and phytochemical procedures. Fruits presented the typical characters of Cucurbitaceae plants possessing ridges with 1 mm thickness and pericarp 550 µm thick. Phytochemical screening revealed the presence of flavonoids, steroids, triterpenes and alkaloids in various extracts. The findings from morphoanatomy, microscopy and physicochemical characters may be used to establish the authenticity of fruits of this plant.