Abstract

PHARMACOGNOSTICAL AND PHYTOCHEMICAL STUDY OF VATERIA INDICA LINN. STEM BARK

Richard Lobo, Nilesh Gupta*, Reshma K. K.

ABSTRACT

The aim for the present investigation was to carry out the pharmacognostical and phytochemical investigation of bark of Vateria indica. It has been reported in the literature that this plant can be used for treating a wide range of pathological condition such as burns, rheumatism, bacterial infections, blood diseases, throat infections, cough, bronchitis, piles and diarrhoea and has been proven to be efficacious in ethnomedicinal practices. Histological parameters concealed the bark was rough with cork patches, greyish-green in colour with longitudinal fissures and wrinkles on outer surface but inner surface was smooth, light brown in color with longitudinal striations. Fractures were granular at the outer region and splintery in the phloem region. The total ash was found to be 3.5%, acid insoluble ash 2% and water soluble ash were 2.5% w/w of dried powder. The water soluble, ethanol soluble and ether soluble extractive values were found 25.4% w/w, 3.6% w/w, 0.4% w/w respectively. Tannin content of stem bark powder of Vateria indica was found to be 35 % w/w. Phytochemical studies were carried out on ethanol and water extracts indicated the presence of tannins, phytosterols, Phenol, flavonoid, alkaloid and carbohydrates.

Keywords: Vateria indica, pharmacological, Phytochemical, tannin, phenol, phytosterols.