Anatomical Characterization on the Leaf of Cayratia pedata var. glabra (Lam.) Gagnep. var. glabra Gamble (Vitaceae) – An Endemic Climber of Western Ghats, India

In the present effort an endeavor has been made to observe the various morphological and anatomical investigations on the leaf of Cayratia pedata var. glabra, belongs to the family Vitaceae. This is used in Ayurveda, Folk and Siddha medicine for the treatment of ulcer, antiseptic, antidiarrhoeal, refrigerant and cough. Anatomical studies revealed the presence of unicellular, non glandular epidermal trichomes, three abaxial horizontal bundles and one adaxial median bundle, anomocytic stomata and parenchymatous cells with calcium oxalate crystals. It helps to recognize and standardize the crude drug for medicinal uses. Presence of bilobed fruit is the important differentiable characterization among the other genus.