Abstract
Objective: Kakhara, Dhanimari or Kakhda is one of the folklore plant of Odisha, which has been identified as Homalium ceylanicum (Gardn.) Benth. (Syn. H. zeylanicum) belonging to family Salicaceae (Flacourtiaceae). The leaves and bark of the plant is used in rheumatism, diabetes and wound healing. Review of literature revealed that the scientific evaluation on various parts of the plants has not been carried out, hence the present study has been designed to study leaves of Homalium ceylanicum Benth. For its morphology, anatomy, physiochemical and phytochemical aspects. Methods: The leaves samples were collected from Gandhamardana hills, Odisha, in month of September 2016, herbarium was provided with herbarium reference no. phm/6216/2016-17 and also certified by BSI Kolkata. Macroscopic observations were made with naked eyes and centimeter scale was used to measure the leaf size. Microscopy of leaf, Stomatal index and powder microscopy was done as per standard protocol. Physicochemical and qualitative analysis were done following standard API protocols. Results: Leaves are simple, alternate, with crenate margin and petiole is pubescent. T.S. of petiole shows boat shaped with two protruding arms supported by 2 meristele. The schematic diagram of T.S. of petiole shows somewhat orbicular to boat shaped with two arms protruding supporting two meristele in each arm. Stomatal index is 15.94-16.91, powder is bitter with leafy aroma, microscopic shows paracyctic stomata key character of genus. LOD is 8.66 ± 0.72 and carbohydrates are present in both extracts. Conclusion: the anatomical characters and values obtained from analytical study can help in standardization.
Highlights
India has one of the richest plant based traditional medicine in the world which are well documented in certain classical texts
Measures about 8.3-15 × 4.7-9 cm, alternate, stipulate, petiolate, ovate to oblong, crenate, acuminate apex, glabrous, dark green above, parrot green beneath and having reticulate venation. 6-10 pairs of main nerves arising from mid rib, appearing yellowish green in colour on upper surface of leaf
Detailed T.S. of petiole shows single layered epidermis interrupted by unicellular covering trichome, along with thick layer of cuticle, 1-2 layer of hypodermis followed by parenchyma cells filled with chlorophyll pigments forming 5-9 layers of cortical cells, some cells are embedded with rosette crystals, rarely prismatic crystals of calcium oxalate and red colored pigments
Summary
India has one of the richest plant based traditional medicine in the world which are well documented in certain classical texts. Some of the plants are use traditionally, which are not a part of classical texts of Ayurveda or pharmacopoeia and are enumerated into the category of ethano medicinal plants or extra pharmacopeial plants (Anukta Dravya).[1]. Dhanimari or Kakhda.[2] is one of the folklore plant of Odisha, stem bark is used in the management of fever and its leaves mixed with jhuna dust (Shorea robusta oleo gum resin) acts as mosquito repellent.[3] The leaves and bark of the plant is used in rheumatism, diabetes and wound healing.[4]. Kakhara has been identified as Homalium ceylanicum (Gardn.) Benth. It belongs to family Salicaceae (Flacourtiaceae).[6]
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