Pharmacognostical and Physicochemical Analysis of Stem Bark of Soymida febrifuga (Roxb.) A. Juss.

Background

Soymida febrifuga (Roxb.) A. Juss. Meliaceae family, these plants are usually referred to as Indian redwood or Mamsarhohini. A tribal claim concerning the use of Mamsarohini in the dealing of muscular dystrophies, leucorrhea, menorrhagia, and dysmenorrhea was documented and stem bark's ability to heal wounds.

Objectives

In order to verify the plant material, identify adulteration, and ascertain the quality and appropriateness for medical use, the physicochemical and pharmacognostical analysis of the crude medicine aims to objectively evaluate its morphological, anatomical, and chemical characteristics. The current study set out to examine the pharmacognostical and physicochemical characteristics of stem bark of the Soymida febrifuga (Roxb.) A. Juss.

Materials and Methods

The pharmacognostic studies were conducted using the following approaches: physicochemical factors, such as fluorescence analysis, ash values, extractive values, and drying loss, analysis of organic elements, and macroscopic (Macroscopic evaluation refers to evaluate its size, shape, texture, color, odour, taste, and special features like touch, texture, fracture, outer and inner surface) and powder microscopic evaluations.

Results

Soymida febrifuga (Roxb.) A. Juss. stem bark is found in curving quills or portions that are roughly 5-13 cm long, 3.5-8.0 cm broad and 0.5-1.5 cm thick. It has longitudinal creases and sporadic grayish lichen patches, giving it a reddish brown color. The bark's inner surface is reddish brown, has tiny striations, and has a short, granular fracture. The bark has a sharp, bitter flavor and a little smell. Phloem and phellogen are the primary microscopic features of the bark, followed by 12-18 layered phelloderms. Sieves tubes and secretory canal are two more significant microscopic elements that were seen. Rhomboidal calcium oxalate crystals, hexagonal phelloderm cells alongside thick-walled oval to polygonal cork cells, phloem fibers, lignified medullary ray, and vessels were all visible in the powdered stem bark. The physicochemical study of the stem bark powder revealed that the total ash, loss on drying, water-soluble ash, acid-insoluble ash, and extractive values soluble in water and alcohol were 4.05%, 17.05%, 7.3%, 5.05% w/w, 18.96%, and 19.88% w/w, respectively. Another crucial standardization criterion that is specific to the plant and indicates the existence of chromospheres in the medication is fluorescence analysis. Carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen are all present in varying amounts, according to the element analysis (CHNSO-analysis).

Conclusion

In conclusion, this study's collection of pharmacognostical and physicochemical analysis of the stem barks of Soymida febrifuga (Roxb.) A. Juss. confirms its identity and provides essential parameters for its standardization and medicinal use. The study helps in ensuring the quality and authenticity of the crude drug.