Pharmacognostic and Physicochemical Studies of Garcinia lanceifolia Roxb. Var. Oxyphylla

Abstract

Garcinia lanceifolia Roxb. var. Oxyphylla (Planch. & Triana) Laness (Clusiaceae), is a small and tropical evergreen plant commonly known as “Rupahi-thekera” (Assamese). It is an important and endemic medicinal plant of Assam which has been used by various ethnic communities of North-East India to treat various disorders like dysentery, dyspepsia and jaundice. The plant is considered to be containing much medicinal value and is also eaten raw or made into pickles by the local people. However, detailed scientific information is not available to identify the plant material, in order to ascertain its quality and purity. Therefore the study of morpho-anatomical characters and physicochemical analysis of G. lanceifolia was undertaken to establish the pharmacognostic and phytochemical details about the plant. Macro and microscopical studies of leaf showed the presence of simple leaf, lanceolate in shape, acuminate apex and paracytic type of stomata. Bowl shaped arrangement of xylem in leaf, crescent form vascular tissue in petiole and well developed phloem in the form of ring in stem are some of the diagnostic features noted from anatomical study of the plant. Powder microscopy revealed the presence of fibers, spiral and pitted vessels. HPTLC finger printing of plant tried with solvent system chloroform and methanol (8: 2) confirmed the presence of 09 spots with different Rf value under UV light 366λ. The fluorescent analysis under day light and UV light by treatment with different chemical reagents showed different colour. Phytochemical evaluation revealed the presence of glycoside, triterpenoids, saponins, tannins and flavonoids.