title: Pharmacognostic studies of stem, roots and leaves of Malva parviflora L.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To establish quality control parameters of a locally occurring medicinal plant, Malva parviflora which is utilized as folk medicine in Sialkot area in Pakistan.
  
  
  METHODS
  In pharmacognostic studies different types of evaluations were carried out that focus on microscopic, macroscopic, fluorescence analysis and organoleptic evaluations.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The distinguishing characters of stem were the presence of parenchyma, cork cells, irregular shape calcium oxalate crystals, simple and compound starch granules and fusiform fibers with pits. Root microscopic characters were presence of simple and spherical starch granules with rounded or slit hilum, groups of lignified xylem fibers, reticulate vessels, and sieve tissues. Leaves microscopy indicated the presence of paracytic stomata, lignified fibers having pits, spiral and annular vessels, numerous sclereids while in fruit microscopy epicarp, thin walled cells endocarp, thin walled parenchyma and collenchyma of mesocarp and abundant thick walled endospermic cells containing aleurone grains and micro rosette crystals. Macroscopic study of leaves showed, 5-7 lobed reniform-shape, glabrous-surface, reticulate-venation in the leaves. Macroscopic features of roots showed type of root-taproot, surface-glabrous and stem was 1-10 dm tall simple to branched and may be prostrate or ascending. Similarly fruit was of schizocarp type.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  This study provides the scientific data for the proper identification and establishment of standards for the use of Malva parviflora.
authors.affiliation: University College of Pharmacy, University of the Punjab, Lahore-54000, Pakistan.
authors.forename: Shehla
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Akbar
authors.affiliation: Department of Botany, Government College University Lahore-54000, Pakistan.
authors.forename: Uzma
authors.initials: U
authors.lastname: Hanif
authors.affiliation: Department of Botany, University of the Punjab, Lahore-54000, Pakistan.
authors.forename: Jaffar
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Ali
authors.affiliation: University College of Pharmacy, University of the Punjab, Lahore-54000, Pakistan.
authors.forename: Saiqa
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Ishtiaq
keywords: Chloral hydrate; Evaluation; Malva parviflora; Palisade ratio; Stomatal index; Transverse section