PHARMACOGNOSTIC AND PHYSICOCHEMICAL STUDIES OF THE LEAVES AND STEM OF ACTINODAPHNE MADRASPATANA BEDD

Abstract

Objective: To study the detailed pharmacognostic profile of the leaves and stem of Actinodaphne madraspatana Bedd (Lauraceae), an important medicinal plant in the Indian system of medicine.

Methods: Leaf and stem samples of Actinodaphne madraspatana Bedd were studied by macroscopical, microscopical, physicochemical, phytochemical, fluorescence analysis of the powder of the plant and other methods for standardization recommended by WHO.

Results: Macroscopically, the leaves are 6 in a whorl, 10-30 cm long, coriaceous, lanceolate, oblanceolate or elliptic. Microscopically, the leaf showed the presence of sunken stomata, prominent midrib, dorsiventral lamina, three stranded vascular system, small xylem and phloem elements with a vertical extension of bundle sheath fibres, tannin, non glandular trichomes and small epidermal peeling of the stem. Physicochemical parameters such as extractive values, ash content and fluorescent behavior of leaf powder were also determined. Preliminary phytochemical screening showed the presence of triterpenoids, flavonoids, glycosides and steroids.  

Conclusions: This is the first report on the pharmacognostic and physicochemical studies of Actinodaphne madraspatana Bedd and is helpful in the characterization of the crude drug.

Key words: Actinodaphne madraspatana Bedd, Pharmacognostic, Physicochemical, Fluorescence behavior