Water-soluble Extract Content Research Articles

KARAKTERISASI SPESIFIK DAN NON SPESIFIK EKSTRAK ETANOL DAUN PUTAT (Planchonia valida)

Putat plant (Planchonia valida) is a medicinal plant that grows in Mahulu, East Kalimantan. Empirically putat leaves are used to treat skin diseases and reduce black spots on the face. Characterization is the initial stage to determine the quality of an extract. Non-experimental research was conducted to determine the specific and non-specific characteristics of putat plants. Samples in the form of putat shoots were obtained from Mahulu Long Melaham Village, Long Bagun District, Mahakam Ulu Regency, East Kalimantan. The stages of the research include plant determination, sample collection, processing of simplicia, extraction using maceration methods, specific and non specific extracts characterization. Specific characteristics of putat leaf extract include organoleptic test in the form of thick extract, blackish brown color, characteristic odor, bitter taste, average water soluble extract content of 62.50% and ethanol soluble extract 48.75%. Secondary metabolites of putat leaf ethanol extract are alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins, saponins, and steroids. The non-specific characteristics of putat leaf extract include average water content of 23.00%, ash content of 6.47% and acid insoluble ash content of 0.06%. Keywords: Planchonia valida, Characterization, Ethanol extract

KARAKTERISASI SIMPLISIA SKRINING FITOKIMIA DAN UJI TOKSISITAS EKSTRAK ETANOL HERBA BINTARO (Cerbera manghas L.) TERHADAP Artemia salina Leach

The use of anticancer chemotherapy with chemicals has not given optimal results because the drug does not work specifically, in addition to attacking cancer cells it also damages normal cells. Bintaro (Cerbera mangha L.) is a wild plant that contains secondary metabolites which have been shown to have a wide range of therapeutic applications. Several studies have stated that Bintaro has activities as aanti cancer. The purpose of this researchto know the characteristics of Bintaro herb simplicia (Cerbera manghas L.) which can be determined using the procedures listed in the Materia Medika Indonesia book, knowing the class of secondary metabolites contained in the ethanol extract of bintaro herbs (Cerbera manghas L.), andknowing the level of toxicity of the ethanol extract of the herb bintaro (Cerbera manghas L.). The method used in this research is experimental with the post-test only controlled group design. The results of the characterization on the organoleptic test of Bintaro herb simplicia, namely the leaves are dark brown, the taste is slightly bitter then bitter, the stems are dark brown and shrinking, the smell is distinctive and tasteless, and the flowers are dark brown, characteristic odor and tasteless, after being ground to a powder. dark brown. The results of the microscopic test, the leaf herb simplicia samples obtained fragments, namely diasitic type stomata, spiral vessel fragments and upper epidermis fragments with palisade cells. As for the stem herbs, there were tissue fragments of sclerenchyma fibers, vessel fragments, parenchymal fragments with clumps of brown secretions. Sclereid fragments were found in the floral herb samples.6%, for determination of water-soluble extract content obtained = 20.06%, ethanol soluble extract content = 2.18%, total ash content = 12.62%, acid insoluble ash content = 6.11%. positive bintaro herbs contain compounds of alkaloids, flavonoids, steroids, tannins and saponins. From the calculation of the LC50 value, it can be concluded that the entanol extract of the Bintaro herb is included in the very toxic category with a value ofLC50 < 30 g/mlthat is9.35g/mL.

PHARMACOGNOSTIC STANDARDIZATION, PRELIMINARY PHYTOCHEMICAL SCREENING AND TLC FINGERPRINTING OF THE BARK OF CASCABELA THEVETIA L.

Objectives: In this study, systematic pharmacognostic study and preliminary phytochemical screening of the bark of Cascabela thevetia L. were carried out.
 Methods: The selected plant part was collected, processed and stored in an airtight container. From the bark different pharmacognostic studies like macroscopic and microscopic evaluation, physicochemical parameters, fluorescence analysis were done. Powdered bark was successively extracted by petroleum ether, chloroform, ethyl acetate, and methanol using a Soxhlet apparatus and finally macerated with the hydro-alcoholic solvent system (30:70). The preliminary phytochemical analysis and thin layer chromatography of the extracts were done to find the nature and number of the different phytoconstituents present.
 Results: Transverse microscopy reveals the presence of crystal oxalate, cork cell, starch granules, vascular bundle, phloem fiber, parenchyma cells, and collenchyma cells. Powder microscopy also showed the presence of cork cell, fiber and calcium oxalate crystal. Results obtained in different physicochemical analysis like total ash, acid insoluble ash, water soluble ash, alcohol-soluble extractive, water-soluble extractive, and moisture content were 8.67%, 0.83%, 5.33%, 4.53%, 12.27%, and 7.83% respectively. Phytochemical analysis showed the presence of alkaloid, flavonoid, triterpenoid, phytosterol, tannin, saponin, anthraquinone, carbohydrate and fatty acid in the different extracts. TLC (Thin Layer Chromatography) study revealed 4 spots in petroleum ether, chloroform, ethyl acetate, and methanol extracts and 3 spots in the Hydro-alcoholic extract with different solvent systems.
 Conclusion: The results obtained from the study will provide a reliable basis for identification, purity, and quality of the plant.

PENETAPAN PARAMETER NON SPESIFIK DAN SPESIFIK EKSTRAK DAUN SALAM (Syzgium polyanthum)

Bay leaf extract is one of the traditional medicinal ingredients which is efficacious as an antihyperlipid. The quality of the extract is a parameter to guarantee the optimal therapeutic effect. Determination of non-specific and specific parameters of bay leaf extract (EDS) is needed to ensure the quality of raw materials used in hyperlipid therapy. The bay leaf extract was obtained from Bantul, Yogyakarta and macerated using 70% ethanol. EDS tested the parameters of ash content, water content, soluble ethanol extract content, water soluble extract content, acid insoluble ash content, quantitative qualitative analysis, total plate number analysis, analysis of yeast mold number, specific gravity, qualitative analysis. This study was obtained by EDS meeting the standardization of non-specific and specific parameters according to Indonesian Herbal Pharmacopoeia.

KARAKTERISASI DAN SKRINING FITOKIMIA SIMPLISIA DAUN SELUTUI PUKA (Tabernaemontana macracarpa Jack)

Selutui puka (Tabernaemontana macrocarpa Jack) is a plant that is efficacious for treating tumor diseases and blisters. Simplicia is said to be of high quality if it meets the simplicia requirements. The initial process to find out the quality of simplicia is characterization. The study aims to determine the specific, non-specific characteristics and content of chemical compounds.This research is non experimental. The research starts from sampling, determination, making simplicia, characterization which includes macroscopic test, microscopic test, determination of moisture content, soluble ethanol extract content, water soluble extract content, moisture content, ash content, acid insoluble ash content and phytochemical screening. Data were analyzed using descriptive methods.Specific characteristics in the macroscopic and organoleptic tests showed long round leaves, pinnate leaf bones, spiky rounded leaf tips, rounded base of leaves, flat leaf edges, thick leaf flesh, dark green color, leaf width of 4.5 cm long, 12.5 cm long. The powder is dark green, aromatic and has a bitter taste. Microscopic tests include cover hair, vessels, bundles of stairs, upper epidermis and lower epidermis with bidiastic type stomata, 12% soluble ethanol, 15% water soluble extract. Non-specific characteristics consisted of 8% moisture content, 6.51% ash content, acid insoluble ash content 0.246%. The results of phytochemical screening contain alkoloid, flavonoids, tannins, saponins and steroids.

UJI AKTIVITAS ANTIJAMUR EKSTRAK ETANOL KULIT BAWANG PUTIH (Allium sativum) DENGAN METODE DIFUSI CAKRAM

Fungal infections rarely cause dangerous conditions, one of which is Candida albicans. The use of antifungal drugs for the treatment of infectious diseases caused by fungi is now quite a lot, but the problem faced now is the occurrence of side effects for users, such as allergies, to other toxic hazards. Garlic (Allium sativum) since antiquity has shown broad antibiotic properties against gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria, including against multi-antibiotic-resistant strains. The purpose of this study was to determine the antifungal activity and effectiveness of ethanol extract of garlic peel against the fungus Candida albicans. The results showed that the yield of fresh simplicia was 10%, the extract yield was 8%. Examination of simplicia characteristics resulted in water content of 7.98%, water-soluble extract content of 18.11%, ethanol-soluble extract content of 7.30%, ash content of 1.06%, and acid insoluble ash content of 0.27%. Phytochemical screening results stated that garlic peel simplicia contained secondary metabolites of alkaloids, flavonoids, and saponins. The results of the inhibition test against the fungus candida Albicans using ethanol extract of garlic peel found antifungal effectiveness on the fungus candida Albicans. The conclusion of this study is that the ethanolic extract of garlic peel at concentrations of 500%, 400%, 300%, 200%, and 100% was less effective against the fungus Candida albicans.

DRY EXTRACT OF BLACK RICE (ORYZA SATIVA L.) AS ANTIOXIDANT IN THE FORM OF FUNCTIONAL DRINK

Objective: Based on previous research, black rice (Oryza sativa L.) has been proven to have antioxidant activity which is classified in the very strong category, approximately 41.5 bpj. this The aim of this study was to produce antioxidant functional drink.Methods: Simplicia powder prepared from black rice (O. sativa L.) sample by extracting with 70% ethanol solvent using kinetic maceration, followed by phytochemical screening, determination of extract quality, drying extract with freeze-drying method, then dry extract obtained used to produce functional drinks on which evaluation and antioxidant activity test carried out. The antioxidant activity test used in this research was DPPH-free radical scavenging method.Results: Screening result showed that both simplicia and extract contain flavonoid compounds, saponins, tannins, steroids, and triterpenoids. Result from dried extract quality determination shown to be thick consistency, has blackish-purple color, has specific aroma and bitter, water-soluble extract content of 59.04%; ethanol-soluble extract content of 69.77%; moisture content of 7.65%; loss on drying 9.40%; total ash content of 5.17%; acid-insoluble ash content of 0.84%; water-soluble ash content 4.15%; and residual solvent 0.44%. Pb and Cd metal contamination were 1.1994 mg/kg and 0.0905 mg/kg, respectively. Total plate count microbial contamination TNTC and the number of yeast and mold found to be 0.0387×103 colony/g. Evaluation test of functional drinks with powder type and found to be blackish-purple, and specific aroma, and total plate count microbial contamination was 0.310×103 colony/g, and the number of yeast and mold found was 0.6997×102 colony/g. Result of IC50 antioxidant activity of viscous extract was 37.5587 bpj; dried extract was 231.0101 bpj; dried extract (distilled water) was 44.7412 bpj; and functional drinks were 46.3594 bpj.Conclusion: Thus, results suggest that dried black rice’s extract and functional drink produced found to have very strong antioxidant activity.

The Standardization of Ethanolic Extract of Tahongai Leaves (Kleinhovia hospita L.)

Extract is basic material for herbal drug. The formulation of herbal drugs requires consistent of biological activity, a consistent chemical profile, or simply a quality assurance programs that can be achieved by standardizing extracts. The leaves of tahongai (Kleinhovia hospita L.) have been traditionally used in Komering tribes as phytotherapy to cure the inflammation related diseases including cancer, furuncles, polyps and tonsillitis. The aim at this study was to standardize the quality of tahongai leaves ethanolic extract by determining the specific and non specific parameters of ethanolic extract of Tahongai leaves (Kleinhovia hospita L.). The Preliminary phytochemical analysis revealed presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, saponins, tanins, and steroids in extract. The result of specific parameters extracts showed that the organoleptic properties of ethanolic extract of tahongai leaves were thick, brownish black in color, has characteristic odor, astringent with slightly bitter taste, the water and ethanol soluble extractive content were 19.263% ± 0.95 and 18.30% ± 0.51 respectively. The non specific parameters of tahongai leave ethanolic extract showed the density of extract was 1.413 g/mL ± 0.04, the water content value of 21.16% ± 0.55, total ash content 15.64% ± 0.75, acid insoluble ash content 8.282% ± 0.28, Pb contamination content 3,67 ppm, Cd contamination content <0,0043 ppm, total bacteria contamination 90.5 x 101 colony/g, and the total mold and yeast contamination of 1 x 101 colony/g.

Ex-situ cultivation at lower altitude and evaluation of Swertia chirayita, a critically endangered medicinal plant of Sikkim Himalayan region, India

Swertia chirayita (family Gentianaceae) is internationally renounced and one among the 32 prioritized medicinal plants by National Medicinal Plants Board, New Delhi, Government of India. S. chirayita is a critically endangered plant of temperate Himalayas. Deplete population of S. chirayita from wild has necessitated its conservation through ex-situ cultivation. The study is therefore taken up for the ex-situ cultivation of S. chirayita in lower altitude (tropical hills) of Sikkim Himalayan region. The produce of the plants cultivated ex-situ and in niche environment was compared and evaluated as per Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India (API) norms and for swertiamarin content. As per API norms the total ash and acid insoluble ash was below the permissible limits of 6% and 1%, respectively. Leaves harvested from the ex-situ cultivated plant showed lower 0.68% acid insoluble ash compared to 0.78% in leaves of mature plants harvested from niche environment. The alcohol-soluble extractive, water soluble extractive and total bitter content were higher (16.84%, 22.44%, and 4.57%, respectively) in leaves of the ex-situ cultivated plant compared to the leaves harvested from plants cultivated in niche environment (15.28%, 15.96%, and 3.95%, respectively). Besides the API norms, swertiamarin content was higher (0.27%) in leaves of the ex-situ cultivated plant compared to leaves harvested from plants cultivated in niche environment (0.22%). The stem harvested from plants cultivated in niche environment failed as per API specifications due to lower alcohol and water soluble extractives and very low swertiamarin content. The study shows successful harvesting of leaves with high swertiamarin content up to one year of the growth period from the ex-situ cultivated plants at lower altitude. Two additional harvestings are suggested from the plant cultivated in niche environment while maintaining the plant for further growth before final yield. Seeds harvested from mature plants cultivated at higher altitude are suggested for utilization for the ex-situ cultivation of crop at lower altitude in Sikkim Himalayan region.

THE CYTOTOXIC ACTIVITY OF N-HEXANE EXTRACT OF KERSEN(muntingia calabura linn.) LEAVES USING THE BRINE SHRIMP LETHALITY TEST (BSLT) METHOD

The cytotoxic activity experiment of n-hexane extract of kersen (Muntingia calabura Linn.) leaves has been carried out using the Brine Shrimp Lethality Test (BSLT) method. The purpose of this research is to identify the secondary metabolites, extract characterize, and determine the LC50 value of the extract against larvae shrimp Artemia salina Leach. Screening result showed that n-hexane extract of kersen leaves contain triterpenoid. Extract characterization showed the results water content of 2.59±0.18 %w/w, water soluble extractive content of 1.9%±0.19 %w/w, the ethanol soluble extractive content of 17.41±1,87 %w/w and total ash value 0.25% w/w. Extract showed LC50 value is 278,72 ppm were calculated by probit analysis. The LC50 value indicated that the n-hexane extract of kersen leaves potentially has cytotoxic activity.

Ethnobotany and Pharmacognostical Studies of &lt;i&gt;Jasminum sambac &lt;/i&gt;Linn.

In the present study of Jasminum sambac ethnobotanical and pharmacognostical activity of Jasminum sambac leaf .These species of highly medicinal purposeflowers, leaves act as lactifuge, arrest the secretion of milk in the puerperal state in case of threatened abscess pharmacognostical study of leaf parts of Jasminum sambac has been undertaken, hence it is establish. Pharmacognostical and quality control parameters of leaf, of Jasminum sambac was carried out. Various microscopic characters viz., transverse section of leaf, quantitative parameters (stomatal number, stomatal index, and vein-islet and termination number) were determined for the identification of plant material. Powder microscopic studies, were also performed. Physicochemical parameters such as total Ash(13.5%), water soluble ash (6.7%) and acid-insoluble ash (8.2 %)Alcohol soluble extractive(30%) Water soluble extractive(11.8%)Moisture content(6.19%)Crude fibre content(15.1%)Swelling index (1)and Foaming index (Lessthan 100).

Ethnobotany and Pharmacognostical Studies of &lt;i&gt;Jasminum sambac &lt;/i&gt;Linn.

In the present study of Jasminum sambac ethnobotanical and pharmacognostical activity of Jasminum sambac leaf .These species of highly medicinal purposeflowers, leaves act as lactifuge, arrest the secretion of milk in the puerperal state in case of threatened abscess pharmacognostical study of leaf parts of Jasminum sambac has been undertaken, hence it is establish. Pharmacognostical and quality control parameters of leaf, of Jasminum sambac was carried out. Various microscopic characters viz., transverse section of leaf, quantitative parameters (stomatal number, stomatal index, and vein-islet and termination number) were determined for the identification of plant material. Powder microscopic studies, were also performed. Physicochemical parameters such as total Ash(13.5%), water soluble ash (6.7%) and acid-insoluble ash (8.2 %)Alcohol soluble extractive(30%) Water soluble extractive(11.8%)Moisture content(6.19%)Crude fibre content(15.1%)Swelling index (1)and Foaming index (Lessthan 100).

Standardization of Some Herbal and Neutraceuticals Product

Present study was done for standardization of some Herbal and Nutraceuticals products. This product was prepared by Ayurvedic formulary and were analysed. Lehyams conjunction with ingredients such as kadukkai, tetrankottai, chebula, impural, verpatti, pacum pal, panankarkantu, catipattiri, valmilaku, catikkay, terrankottai, tipple, milakucukku, kadukkai, tanrikkay, cirrarakottai, nellikkay, cirakam, carkkarai, honey and ghee in different proportions. The Loss on drying, Total ash, Acid insoluble ash, Alcohol soluble extractive, Water soluble extractive, Saponification value and Sugar content were determined respectively. The preliminary phyto chemical investigation shows the presence of alkaloids, carbohydrates, glycosides, saponin, tannins and flavonoids. Increase the medicinal properties against appetizer, cough and tuberculosis by preparing like these herbal products.

Effects of different phosphorus applications on growth and platycodin content of Balloon Flower (Platycodon grandiflorum)

Field experiments were conducted to investigate the effects of different phosphorus (P) rates of 0, 10, 20, 30 and 40kgPha−1 on P accumulation, yield, and quality of Balloon Flower (Platycodon grandiflorum) based on a randomized complete block design with four replications. Results indicated that phosphorus application improved the dry matter accumulation but did not change the allocation rate. Of all treatments, the highest proportion of biomass was allocated to the roots, whereas the lowest was allocated to the flowers at full bloom stage (on 20 July, 83 days after planting) and leaves at harvest stage (on 16 October, 139 days after planting). Phosphorus content and accumulation in all treatments exhibited a similar trend, but these parameters differed in terms of growing stage and organs. Phosphorus content and accumulation in the roots were higher at the harvest stage than at the full bloom stage, but these parameters were lower in the leaves and stems. This result indicated that the application of P increased the proportion of P initially stored in the leaves and stems and then translocated to the roots, it increased the taproot diameter, reaching the maximum value at application rate of 20kgPha−1; by comparison, the application of P decreased the root branching number. The length of taproots treated with the application rates of 10 and 40kgPha−1 was significantly lower than that of the control plants, but no significant differences were observed between P application rates of 20kgPha−1, 30kgPha−1 and the control plants. Root yield was remarkably higher in P-treated plants than the control plants. Treatment with application rate of 20kgPha−1 gained the highest yield of 4683.33kgha−1, which was 42.28% higher compared to the control plants. The application of P increased the total platycodin content and decreased the soluble sugar content. No significant effect was observed on the water-soluble extract content. Considering yield and quality, we recommended the optimum P application rate of 20kgPha−1 under the specific experimental conditions used in this study.

QUALITY CONTROL STUDIES OF ARGYREIA SPECIOSA SWEET LEAVES

The plant Argyreia speciosa Sweet (Syn: Argyreia nervosa Burm. f.), is a woody climber which belongs to the family Convulvulaceae. The plant is commonly known as Elephant creeper in English and in Hindi, it is known as ‘Vryddhadaru”. It has been used as a “ R asayana” drug (rejuvenating drugs) in the traditional Ayurvedic system of medicines. Authentication and identification has been done taxonomically. The quality control studies of the leaves have been perf ormed as per WHO guidelines - 1998. The lea f has been heart - shaped up to 1 foot across, back with silvery hairs on the lower surface, glabrous above, white tomentose beneath and long stalked. The most distinct anatomical ch aracter in TS of petiole has been the occurrence of intra - xylary phloem, where the xylem is above and the phloem is below. Unicellular trichomes are numerous and are present in the dorsal side only. These palisade cells are rectangular in nature where the length is twice its breadth. Total ash (15.5% w/w), acid insoluble ash (3.6 % w/w), water soluble ash (2.18 % w/w), a lcohol soluble extractive (1.66 % w/w), water soluble extractive (3.56 % w/w) and moisture content (14.07%) of the crude drug have been obtaine d. A fingerprint of fluorescence has been observed in fluorescence analysis. Chlorinated pesticide in first and second elute from c olumn have been 0.034 and 0.081 mg/kg of the crude drug respectively. Phosphated pesticides are found to be 0.012 , 0.095 and 0 .004 mg/kg

Quality control standardization of the roots of Potentilla fulgens Wall.: A potent medicinal plant of the Western Himalayas and North-eastern India

Background & aimsPotentilla fulgens Wall. ex Hook. (PF) (Family: Rosaceae) is a shrub growing at high altitudes (1800-4350 m ASL) of the Western Himalayas. Traditionally, the roots of the plant are used to treat diabetes, peptic ulcers, diarrhoea, anthelmintic and cancer. The objective of the present study is to scientifically develop a standard monograph for PF on the basis of the pharmacognostical and phytochemical aspects. MethodsThe quality control standardization was performed as per the standard methods provided in World Health Organization for standardization of medicinal plants and Indian Herbal Pharmacopoeia. ResultsMorphologically, the roots are cylindrical, elongated and tapering towards the end, dark brown and astringent to bitter in taste. Histologically, the matured root showed the formation of secondary growth with wood formation. Physicochemical standards quantified are foreign organic matter (1.50%), loss on drying (14.43%), total ash (8.60%), acid insoluble ash (3.02%), water soluble ash (1.37%), alcohol soluble extractive (30.80%), water soluble extractive (18.40%), foaming index (142.85), swelling index (5.5), haemolytic index (89.47) and pesticide residue content was also estimated. The powdered drug characterization showed the presence of lignified xylem vessels with annular and reticulate thickenings, bordered pit tracheids, simple, druse type calcium oxalate crystals, compound starch grains and slender shaped fibres. Phytochemical screening showed the presence of polyphenolics (phenolics, tannins, flavonoids), steroids, saponins, sugars, and amino acids. Quantification of phytoconstituents in the extract was done spectrophotometrically which includes total phenolics (177.4 mg/g tannic acid equivalent, TAE), tannins (115.3 mg/g TAE), flavonoids (21.4 mg/g rutin equivalent, RE), flavonols (5.7 mg/g RE), saponins (41.2 mg/g diosgenin equivalent, DE), sapogenins (20.3 mg/g DE) and carbohydrates (52.6 mg/gD-fructose equivalent). Quantification of epicatechin in the root extract by HPTLC analysis was also carried out and was found to be 9.52% (w/w). ConclusionIn conclusion, the present study will provide necessary information for the proper identification of the crude drugs.

Pharmacognostic profile of root of Cryptolepis sanguinolenta (Lindl.) Schlechter

Medicinal plants are traditionally found to be useful for many ailments. The present study highlights the pharmacognostical as well as phytochemical studies including parameters such as macroscopic, microscopic characters, physicochemical evaluation, chemomicroscopy and preliminary phytochemical studies of the root of Cryptolepis sanguinolenta. The morphological studies shows a root light to medium brown in color with hard and brittle texture, prisms of calcium oxalate crystals, sclereids and parenchyma cells. The transverse section showed parenchyma cells, vascular cambium, ray lines and phelloderm. Physico-chemical standards and their percentage values w/w were found to be: total ash (14.02±0.12), acid insoluble ash (5.08±0.18, %), water soluble ash (4.02±0.27%), sulphated ash (4.26±0.11%), alcohol soluble extractive (6.20±0.45%), water soluble extractive (28.40±0.75%) and moisture content (6.80±0.25%). Chemomicroscopical investigation revealed presence of lignin, tannin, oils, cellulose and calcium oxalate. Phytochemical analysis of the root revealed the presence of carbohydrates, alkaloids, glycosides, saponins, resins, proteins, steroids and terpenoids. These findings will help in identification, standardization of the root of Cryptolepis sanguinolenta (Lindl.) Schlechter and also distinguish it from its adulterants.

Pharmacognostic profile of root of Cryptolepis sanguinolenta (lindl.) Schlechter

Medicinal plants are traditionally found to be useful for many ailments. The present study highlights the pharmacognostical as well as phytochemical studies including parameters such as macroscopic, microscopic characters, physicochemical evaluation, chemomicroscopy and preliminary phytochemical studies of the root of Cryptolepis sanguinolenta. The morphological studies shows a root light to medium brown in color with hard and brittle texture, prisms of calcium oxalate crystals, sclereids and parenchyma cells. The transverse section showed parenchyma cells, vascular cambium, ray lines and phelloderm. Physico-chemical standards and their percentage values w/w were found to be: total ash (14.02 ± 0.12), acid insoluble ash (5.08 ± 0.18, %), water soluble ash (4.02 ± 0.27 %), sulphated ash (4.26 ± 0.11 %), alcohol soluble extractive (6.20 ± 0.45 %), water soluble extractive (28.40 ± 0.75 %) and moisture content (6.80 ± 0.25 %). Chemomicroscopical investigation revealed presence of lignin, tannin, oils, cellulose and calcium oxalate. Phytochemical analysis of the root revealed the presence of carbohydrates, alkaloids, glycosides, saponins, resins, proteins, steroids and terpenoids. These findings will help in identification, standardization of the root of Cryptolepis sanguinolenta (Lindl.) Schlechter and also distinguish it from its adulterants.

Pharmacognostical evaluation of Acacia catechu willd. heartwood with special reference to tyloses

Acacia catechu (L.) willd, commonly known as Khadira, is widely used in Ayurveda for the treatment of diseases. A detailed investigation of fresh and powder of heartwood of A. catechu was carried out. The diagnostic characters of heartwood of this plant includes tylosis formation, fibers with prism, fibers with scleroids, fragment of border pitted vessels, starch grains with hylem along with yellowish dark brown colouring matter, lignified fibers and fibers passing through medullary rays. Physicochemical studies revealed loss on drying (7.15%), total ash (2.8%), acid insoluble ash (0.04%), alcohol-soluble extractive (15.78%), water-soluble extractive (12.00%) and tannin content in raw drug is (08.28%). Quantitative microscopy includes tyloses, parenchyma length and circumferences. Preliminary analysis of various functional groups revealed the presence of alkaloids, tannin, saponins, carbohydrate, starch, steroid and proteins. The information generated by this particular study will provide relevant pharmacognostical and physicochemical data needed for proper identification and authentication of heartwood of this particular species. Key words: Acacia catechu, heart wood, pharmacognosy, tylosis

Quality assessment of different marketed brands of Dasamoolaristam, an Ayurvedic formulation

Arista is a classical Ayurvedic preparation that is typically used as a digestive and cardiotonic. The present Investigation evaluated five different brands of Dasamoolaristam available in the market as per WHO and Indian Pharmacopoeial specifications. Various physicochemical parameters such as alcohol-soluble extractive, water-soluble extractive, total ash, acid-insoluble ash, total solid, and alcohol content were determined. The present investigation reveals that all the preparations contain acceptable levels of alcohol (less than 12% v/v). However, the preparations were found to contain unacceptable limits of microbial load although all showed the absence of Escherichia coli, Salmonella species, and Staphylococcus aureus.