Salvadora oleoides (Decne.): A comparative study of its microscopic and pharmacognostical properties

Abstract

The aim of the study is to compare pharmacognostic parameters and standardize leaves and stems of Salvadora oleoides (Decne.). Organoleptic, powder microscopic, pharmacognostical parameters (pH, moisture content, total ash value, acid insoluble, watersoluble, and inorganic tests), fluorescence analysis, and elemental analysis of S. oleoides were evaluated. Sequentially, plant extracts were prepared and used to perform phytochemical screening as per standard protocols. A higher percentage yield of ethanolic extract was found in the leaves (16 ± 0.52) as compared to the stems of S. oleoides. In microscopy, a higher amount of oxalate crystals was present in the stem. The elemental analysis of cadmium, lead, arsenic, chromium, copper, and manganese from AAS is found to be within permissible (ppm) limits. The detection and assessment of substituents were done through fluorescence analysis. In pharmacognostical analysis, proximate results show that the pH is slightly acidic, ranging between 6.2 – 6.7 at 1% and 10% dilution. Moisture content (4.79 ± 0.03), total ash content (3.42 ± 0.12), acid insoluble (0.78 ± 0.02), and water-soluble (1.15 ± 0.41) were found to be highest in leaves. Inorganic test results show the presence of sulphate, phosphate, chloride, nitrate, and carbonate in leaves, whereas iron, sulphate, chloride, nitrate, and carbonate in stems. Phytochemical screening reveals the presence of secondary metabolites (flavonoids) in a higher amount in an ethanolic extract of the leaf part of S. oleoides. The present findings provide strong evidence for the proper identification and establishment of standards for leaves and stems of S. oleoides.