Abstract

Abstract Background: Plants are extremely useful to humankind as medicine, and hence the properties of medicinal plants have to be scientifically evaluated. Aim: The aim of this study is to establish pharmacognostical and phytochemical parameters for stem bark of Ximenia americana Linn. (Olacaceae). Materials and Methods: Macroscopical, microscopical evaluation, powder microscopical studies, quantitative microscopy, physicochemical evaluation, fluorescence analysis, analysis of inorganic elements, and determination of heavy metal contamination were performed as per the World Health Organization guidelines and standard methods. To evaluate various phytoconstituents, phytochemical investigations such as preliminary phytochemical screening, high-performance thin-layer chromatography, and high-performance liquid chromatography were performed. Results: Microscopical studies showed the presence of thick cortex, periderm cells, phloem parenchyma, phloem fibers, sieve elements, prismatic and granular calcium oxalate crystals, and resinous cells. The length and width of fibers, stone cells, and diameter of starch grains were measured. Physicochemical evaluation like ash values has shown total ash – 8.01% ± 0.02% w/w, acid-insoluble ash – 1.53% ± 0.02% w/w, water-soluble ash – 1.54% ± 0.01% w/w, sulfated ash – 12.02% ± 0.07% w/w, water-soluble hot extraction – 26.48 ± 0.02% w/w, cold maceration – 11.76% ± 0.04% w/w, alcohol soluble – 15.69% ± 0.03%w/w, ether soluble – 2.06% ± 0.03% w/w, and loss on drying – 4.88% ± 0.01% w/w. Conclusion: Pharmacognostical study on the stem bark of Ximenia americana may be reported as first. The results of pharmacognostical and phytochemical studies will be helpful for authentication and provide quality control parameters for the stem bark of this plant.

Full Text
Paper version not known

Talk to us

Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have

Schedule a call

Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.