Author(s):

Sushama Raj RV, Sumitha VR and Sreeja Thankappan

Abstract: “Lakshmi taru” (Simarouba glauca, DC.) or “paradise tree” has a long history of herbal medicine in many countries and belongs to the family Simaroubaceae, grabbed a wide attention and acceptance as the “cancer curing plant” or “magic plant”. Aqueous leaf extracts of selected plant was prepared (1%, 3%, 5% and 10% concentration) and was tested on Cow pea (Vigna unguiculata, (L.) Walp.) under laboratory conditions to see the effect of extracts on seed germination and seedling growth. It was noted that Simarouba glauca, DC. has significant inhibition in germination on cow pea seeds and the percentage of inhibition increases with increase in concentration. In the case of seedling growth, 1% extract had a promotory effect on radicle of Cow pea, while others inhibit radicle growth. Hypocotyle growth of legume seedling was also showing almost similar effect as on radicle. Surprisingly 3% concentration also showed stimulation for seedling growth of cow pea as compared to 1% concentration. The reason for an inhibitory effect on germination percentage and stimulatory effect on seedling growth is due to the presence of different levels of various phytochemicals in the leaf extracts and further detailed analysis is recommended is to validate present findings.

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