Pharmacognostical Standardization of Leaf and Stem Bark of Elaeodendron glaucum (Rottb.) Pers.- An Important Ethno-Medicinal Plant

Background

Elaeodendron glaucum (Rottb.) Pers. is an essential ethnomedicinal plant belonging to Celastraceae used in the treatment of various ailments like antidotes for snake bites, dog bites, wounds and cracks, dysuria, swellings, burning sensations, hyperacidity, dysentery, headaches, fever, etc.

Aim

The Present study aimed to establish the pharmacognostical profile of Elaeodendron glaucum to generate data on distinguishing characteristics from other Elaeodendron species.

Materials and Methods

Pharmacognostical studies were conducted with the scope of organoleptic, macroscopic, microscopic, preliminary phytochemical evaluation, physicochemical evaluation, fluorescence and HPTLC studies.

Results

Macroscopic observations of the stem bark revealed horizontal and transverse striations, transverse fissures with vertical cracks, exfoliating in irregular scales, numerous lenticels, and constrictions. Microscopic observation of the same reveals a wide zone of cork and cortex, forming a rhytidoma. Macroscopic observations of the leaf show an entire margin, an ovate to ovate-elliptic shape, sub-coriaceous texture, and crenate margins. Microscopic observation of the same revealed the presence of prismatic crystals on both the upper and lower epidermis; mesophyll tissue embedded with vascular strands. The organoleptic characteristics of the stem bark powder are Rough in touch, with a bitter taste. The leaf powder is smooth to the touch, with a slightly bitter taste. The preliminary phytochemical screening revealed the presence of Glycosides, Alkaloids, Flavonoids etc. The physicochemical studies for leaf and stem bark were assessed for Loss on Drying, Total ash, Acid-insoluble ash etc. The HPTLC analysis revealed the presence of various phyto-constituents, as evidenced by diverse R_f values.

Conclusion

This study will serve as a standard reference for future research and applications on Elaeodendron glaucum.