Quality evaluation of Zanthoxylum rhetsa fruits and seeds - a Thai traditional medicine

Abstract

<em>Zanthoxylum rhetsa</em> (Roxb.) DC or Ma-khwuang (Rutaceae family) has long been used in Thai culinary and traditional medicine. Its fruits and seeds are used for anti-diabetic, antispasmodic, diuretic and anti-inflammatory activity. Based on its medicinal usage, we have evaluated the quality parameters of <em>Z. rhetsa</em> fruits and seeds. Ten samples of <em>Z. rhetsa</em> fruits and seeds from different topographical areas, throughout Thailand, were examined following WHO guideline for quality control of medicinal plant materials. The<em> Z. rhetsa</em> fruits and seeds were evaluated by microscopic and physicochemical studies. The GC-MS study showed the major phytoconstituents of <em>Z. rhetsa</em> are sabinene (56.62%), 4-terpineol (13.82%), germacrene (10.1%), gramma-terpinene (5.5%) and alpha-terpinene (3.5%). These pharmacognostic specifications with GC-MS can be used to develop some standard parameters for judge the quality, quantity and impurity of <em>Z. rhetsa</em> crude drug future.