Abstract

CYTO-ANATOMICAL AND PHYTOCHEMICAL VARIATIONS IN RHODODENDRON ARBOREUM SM. STEM AND ITS BARK AT DIFFERENT STAGES

Akanksha Thakur*, Harisha C. R., V. J. Shukla and B. R. Patel

ABSTRACT

Objective: Rhododendron arboreum Sm. commonly known as ‘Burans’ is an evergreen tree belonging to Ericaceae family. Traditionally its stem bark is used by the natives of Himachal Pradesh in the treatment of cough, dysentery and liver disorders. Although the plant is used traditionally, but no detailed pharmacognostical study has been reported on it. Hence the present study has been done to evaluate morphological, microscopical, physicochemical and phytochemical characters of immature stem, mature stem and stem bark of Rhododendron arboreum. Methods: Stem (immature, mature) and stem bark were collected from Himachal Pradesh in month of April 2018. Pharmacognonostical study, qualitative analysis and physicochemical study were performed following standard procedures. Results: TS of immature stem consists of epidermis followed by cortex containing pericyclic fibres, vascular bundles, central pith and mature stem shows outer cork followed by reduced cortex and vascular bundles. TS of stem bark shows heterogenous phellem followed by cortex and secondary phloem. Powder microscopy shows the presence of prismatic crystals and brown content in all three powders. Phytochemical screening reveals the presence of tannin in all parts of the plant. Conclusion: Results of the study may be helpful to establish standards for the identification and authentication of R. arboreum Sm.

Keywords: Burans, Rhododendron arboreum, Ericaceae, exfoliating.