Pharmacognostic Study and Establishment of Quality Parameters of Leaves, Root and Bark of Ficus retusa Linn.

Abstract

Ficus retusa. Linn (Family- Moraceae) is found commonly in India. Ficus species are rich source of polyphenolic compounds, flavonoids which are responsible for strong antioxidant properties that help in prevention & therapy of various oxidative stress related diseases. In present investigation, the detailed comparative pharmacognostic study of Ficus retusa (leaf, root and bark) was carried out to lay down the standards which could be useful in future experimental studies. However, no conclusive pharmacognostic study of its leaves, bark and roots has been performed yet. The study includes macroscopy, microscopy, preliminary phytochemical screening, physicochemical evaluation, fluorescence analysis and chromatographic evaluation. Highest extractive values were found with water and ethanol. The fluorescence analysis under visible light and under UV light by treatment with different chemical reagents showed different colour changes. The presences of alkaloids, steroids, flavonoids, saponins were confirmed during preliminary phytochemical screening. Conclusion: Such a study would serve as a useful gauge in standardization of the plant material, isolation of medicinally important phytoconstituents, performing pharmacological investigations and ensuring quality formulations