Pharmacognostic Standardization of Aralia racemosa L. Stem

Abstract

The present study was taken up to standardize the stem of Aralia racemosa L. for quality, purity and sample identification. Various standardization parameters like morphological, microscopical and physicochemical evaluations, preliminary phytochemical screening and fluorescence analysis of the stem of A. racemosa were done and qualitative parameters were reported. Macro and microscopic evaluation studies were performed as per the routine laboratory procedures. Phytochemical, physicochemical, florescence analysis, behaviour of powdered drug have been conducted as per the World Health Organization guidelines. Microscopy of stem revealed the presence of phellem, phellogen, phelloderm, medullary rays usually bi-serrate and powder analysis showed the presence of cork cells, lignified xylem vessels, xylem fibers and parenchyma cells. Phytochemical analysis showed the presence of saponins, flavonoids, tannins, phenols, glycosides and volatile oil. Physicochemical parameters such as moisture content, ash value, extractive value and fluorescent behaviour of stem powder were determined. These parameters are useful tools to differentiate the powdered drug material. The findings of this study will be helpful in the identificat0ion of A. racemosa stem.