Pharmacognostic evaluation and metal analysis of Terminalia Catappa Linn. leaves

Abstract

Objective: The safety and quality of herbal medicines has become increasingly important for health authorities, scientific community and the public alike. Natural products have provided important therapeutic use in several areas of medicine. Leaves of Terminalia catappa Linn. were reported to possess good anti-diabetic activity. This study deals with detection of metals present in Terminalia catappa Linn. by Inductively Coupled Plasma Atomic Emission Spectroscopy instrument. The leaves were examined for macroscopic, microscopic, proximate and heavy metal analysis. Metals like Mercury, Arsenic, Lead, Iron, magnesium and Zinc were analyzed using Inductively Coupled Plasma Atomic Emission Spectroscopy. Presence of rosettes of calcium oxalate crystal, unicellular trichomes and anomocytic stomata and spiral xylem vessels confirmed through microscopic analysis of leaves were the discerning anatomical features and can be used as anatomical markers. The essential metals like Iron, Magnesium and Zinc were found to be predominant while the heavy metals like Mercury, Arsenic and Lead were found to be within the permissible limit. It has been clinically proved that the essential metals e.g. Magnesium and zinc were used in the treatment of type II diabetes. The present study supports anti-diabetic activity of this species. Also, the pharmacognostic constants presented in this paper may help to establish the authenticity of drug, differentiate the drug from other species and drawing the pharmacopoeial standards for this species.