Simmondsia chinensis (Jojoba): A Comprehensive Pharmacognostic Study

Abstract

Simmondsia chinensis (Link) C. Schneider or simply Jojoba belongs to family Simmondsiaceae is a woody, evergreen, perennial shrub native to Southern Arizona, Sonora and Baja California. The seeds produce a liquid wax, which is very similar to spermaceti and has wide applications in cosmetics and pharmaceutical industry. In addition, different extracts from jojoba plant are widely used in many folk medicinal uses. The aim of the present work was to make an in-depth pharmacognostic study (both macro- and micro-morphological) in order to help in the identification and standardization of S. chinensis waxes and extracts. All the microscopical measurements of different elements and the numerical values of the leaves are listed.