Establishment of Pharmacognostical Standards for the Bark ofSterculia foetidalinn.

Abstract

Pharmacognostical studies were carried out to identify and authenticate the bark of Sterculia foetida. Pharmacognostical studies were carried out in terms of macroscopic, microscopic and physiochemical analysis. The outer bark is grey in color and inner bark is buff coloured single quill and has fibrous texture. The characteristic microscopic features of bark were observed as cork, cortex, medullary rays, phloem parenchyma and sclerenchyma in the transverse section. The microscopical features of powdered bark showed the presence of lignified fibers, xylem vessels, stone cells, cortex and calcium oxalate crystals. Histochemical studies were done to identify and locate the active constituents present in the bark. Ash values, extractive values, swelling index, foaming index, loss on drying and foreign organic matter were also carried out in order to find out the quality and purity of the drug.