Pharmacognostical evaluation of root bark of <i style="">Streblus asper</i> Lour

Abstract

<i style="">Streblus asper</i> Lour. known as <i style="">Shakhotaka</i> in Ayurveda and <i style="">Piraayan</i> in Siddha is an important medicinal plant belonging to family Moraceae. The root bark is antipyretic, antidysentric and analgesic, and sedative. The study provides taxonomical, pharmacognostical and physicochemical details helpful in laying down standardization and pharmacopoeial parameters. The diagnostic characters are latex exudation, lenticular opening, crystals and latex cells in secondary phloem, 2-3-seriate medullary rays, and septate fibers. Physicochemical studies revealed, total moisture content (8.91%), total ash (15.00%), acid insoluble ash (5.65%), water-soluble ash (3.23%), alcohol soluble extractive value (18.05%), and water-soluble extractive value (35.83%). Ultraviolet analysis exhibited considerable variation. Preliminary organic analysis revealed carbohydrates, glycosides, phytosterols, phenolic compounds, tannins, saponin, gums and mucilage. Thin layer chromatographic studies gave 8 and 7 spots in alcohol and aqueous extracts, respectively.