Abstract

PHARMACOGNOSTIC AND PHYTO-CHEMICAL STUDIES ON STEM BARK OF GLIRICIDIA SEPIUM

Lissy S.* and Dr. Bindu A. R.

ABSTRACT

Gliricidia sepium (Family – Fabaceae), is also known as Sheema konna (Malayalam). It is a widespread evergreen medium sized tree. The present study deals with the qualitative and quantitative microscopic analysis of the bark material and establishment of its quality parameters, including physicochemical and phytochemical analysis. In the microscopic studies, the chief character of transverse section includes a thick prominent cork region with cork cambium, cortex followed by sclerenchymatous region with phloem fibres and stone cells. Chief character of powder includes prismatic crystals of calcium oxalate, phloem fibres, stone cells with wide lumens and fragments of vessels. Physicochemical parameters such as moisture content, ash values and extractive values were evaluated. Phytochemical analysis disclosed the presence of many therapeutically significant classes of phytoconstituents such as alkaloids, flavonoids, phenolics, sterols, terpenoids, proteins and carbohydrates. Such a study would serve as an effective tool in standardization of the bark material, isolation of medicinally essential phytoconstituents, performing pharmacological investigations and ensuring quality formulations in the future. It would also help in distinguishing the plant material of Gliricidia sepium.

Keywords: Gliricidia sepium, antioxidant, pharmacognostical, phytochemicals, stem bark.