Studies on the Pharmacognosy and Phytochemistry of Microgreens of Salvia hispanica L. (Lamiaceae) from Kerala, India

By : V. Vijitha , S. Latha

Page No: 56-63

Abstract
Microgreens find applications as nutraceutical and in manufactured foods. This study aims to characterise the pharmacognosy and phytochemistry of microgreens of Salvia hispanica L. (Lamiaceae), since no work has been reported on their pharmacognosy. This plant is a superfood due to its seeds being an abundant source of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, dietary fibre, and antioxidants. Pharmacognostic studies involved organoleptic evaluation, physico-chemical analysis, extractive values, fluorescence analysis, microscopic examination and powder analysis. Preliminary qualitative phytochemical analysis was also carried out. Organoleptic evaluation showed dark grey granular, non-free flowing slightly bitter powder with characteristic odour. Physico-chemical parameters of microgreens revealed Loss on drying (12.26%), pH (6.52), Foaming Index (<100), Swelling Index(10ml), Total Ash (14.03%), Water Soluble Ash (3.06%), Alcohol Soluble Extractive (8.51%), Petroleum Ether Extractive (2.94%), UV and visible light Fluorescence analysis showed different intensities of yellow, green, brown colorations in combination with various reagents. Microscopic examination and powder analysis revealed diagnostic characters such as uniseriate unicellular and muticellular trichomes, oil cells, stone cells, Calcium oxalate crystals and simple starch grains. Preliminary phytochemical screening showed the presence of carbohydrates, proteins, alkaloids, flavonoids, terpenoids, phenols, tannins, saponins, and glycosides. This study helps one to identify the ingredients of Salvia hispanica microgreens added in the preparation of nutraceutical and manufactured food such as bread, noodles etc and helps to prevent their adulteration or substitution. Since they showed the presence of various bioactive phytochemicals of therapeutic and nutritional significance, further studies are needed on this aspect.

Ahtors
V. Vijitha: Research Scholar, Department of Botany, Sree Narayana College, Kollam, Kerala,
S. Latha: Associate Professor, Department of Botany , Sree Narayana College, Kollam, Kerala
 

DOI: https://doi.org/10.32381/JPSR.2026.42.01.6