Pharmacognostic and Phytochemical evaluation of the root bark of Plumeria acutifolia Poir.

Abstract

The aim of the present study is to investigate the pharmacognostic and phytochemical investigation of the root bark of the plant Plumeria acutifolia belonging to the family Apocynaceae. In microscopic studies, transverse section (TS) of root bark and powder characters of the plant was studied and characteristic features were established. Physicochemical parameters such as total ash value, acid insoluble ash value and water soluble ash value were determined. The alcohol soluble extractive and water soluble extractive were also determined. Preliminary phytochemical analysis of ethanolic extract was carried out. The results of preliminary phytochemical screening were positive for alkaloids, tannins, glycosides, terpenoids and saponins. The results obtained from standardization of root bark of Plumeria acutifolia established the macro- and microscopical parameters, physicochemical parameters, TLC profiles that characterize the genuine plant drug. The present study provides pharmacognostical, physicochemical and phytochemical details of the root bark of Plumeria acutifolia which are useful in laying down standardization and pharmacopoeia parameters.