Comparative Pharmacognostic Evaluation of Terminalia arjuna (Roxb. ex DC.) Wight and Arn. and Terminalia elliptica Willd.

Background

Terminalia arjuna (Arjuna) and Terminalia elliptica (Asna or Saj) are two closely related medicinal tree species known for their therapeutic applications. Despite their everyday use in Ayurveda, detailed comparative pharmacognostic studies on their barks remain limited. This study aimed to perform a systematic comparison of the barks of T. arjuna and T. elliptica using macroscopic and microscopic analyses, physicochemical profiling, phytochemical screening, and advanced instrumental characterisation to identify distinguishing features and assess quality parameters.

Materials and Methods

Bark samples from both species were evaluated for their macroscopic and microscopic characteristics, followed by assessments of physicochemical parameters, including total ash, extractive values, and moisture content. A qualitative phytochemical analysis was conducted to identify primary and secondary metabolites. Spectral and chromatographic fingerprinting was performed using Fourier-Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) and High-Performance Thin-Layer Chromatography (HPTLC). Microbial testing was conducted to evaluate total viable counts and identify potential pathogenic microorganisms, including E. coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas, and Salmonella spp.

Results

While both species displayed similar anatomical features and FTIR profiles indicative of polyphenolic compounds, notable differences emerged in their physicochemical and phytochemical properties. T. elliptica had a higher total ash content, indicating more minerals, and contained alkaloids, which T. arjuna lacked. Conversely, T. arjuna had a higher extractive value and a distinct arjunolic acid band on HPTLC. Both powders met acceptable microbial safety standards.

Conclusion

The findings provide clear diagnostic features for distinguishing T. arjuna from T. elliptica, confirming their traditional uses and highlighting the quality and safety of these species.