Comparative Macroscopic and Microscopic Characterization of Raw Herbal Drugs of Abrus precatorius L. and Glycyrrhiza glabra L.

Background: The root of Glycyrrhiza glabra L., also known as ‹Licorice,’ is used as an expectorant in cough and cold preparations, used to treat hepatitis, and have therapeutic benefit against some other viruses. The roots of Abrus precatorius L. belonging to the family Leguminosae are commonly known as ‘Indian wild Licorice.’ The roots of both of these plants are used in Indian systems of medicine (I.S.M.) to treat various health ailments. The root of A. precatorius is used as a substitute or sometimes as an adulterant of G. glabra. Objectives: The present study aimed to develop comparative standards for easy and fast identification of root drug samples of two selected species. Materials and Methods: The present study involved a comparative macroscopic and microscopic characterization of the root drug samples of G. glabra and A. precatorius using compound and stereo microscopes. Results: Comparative study of qualitative and quantitative characters revealed significant differences in surface and microscopic characters. Anatomical characters such as cortex and phloem zone appearance, the appearance of vascular rays, and some powder characters, i.e., color and taste of powder and shape and size of starch grains, clearly differentiated the genuine ‘Liquorice’ drug root samples from other drug species. Conclusion: Botanical characters compiled in the present study can be used as a reference standard for future identification of individual raw root drug samples and the comparative distinction of both species’ root samples.