Abstract

PHARMACOGNOSTICAL STANDARDIZATION OF STEM BARK OF SAPTACHAKRA – SALACIA CHINENSIS L

Shantha T. R., Prathapa Reddy M., Rama Rao V.*, Shiddamallayya N. and Sulochana Bhat

ABSTRACT

Salacia chinensis L., known as Saptachakra in Sanskrit is an important medicinal plant useful for treating various ailments in Ayurveda, especially for Diabetes mellitus. Though all parts of the plant are useful for treating various ailments, studies have been carried out on leaves, roots and stem by different researchers. As per our knowledge through literature review, pharmacognostical work has not been carried out on individual Stem bark portion of Salacia chinensis, which is also having many therapeutic uses. The microscopical studies showed the presence of brownish pink stem bark, uni-seriate medullary rays, abundant simple starch grains in the cortex region, patches of highly lignified stone cells in the cortex region, dark brown cell content (tannin) in the cortex and near the phloem region and continuous layer of patches of pericyclic layers. The preliminary phytochemical study showed the presence of various secondary metabolites i.e. flavonoids, phenols, saponins, proteins, furans and quinines etc.

Keywords: Saptachakra, Salacia chinensis, stem bark, microscopy, starch grains, lignified stone cells.