Quality evaluation and high performance thin layer chromatography fingerprint profile of Careya arborea Roxb. seeds

Abstract

Objective: Careya arborea roxb. Seeds are useful in traditional medicine for the treatment of various ailments such as ulcers, wound healing, dermatopathies, colic and loose motions and hence it is important to standardize it for use as an herbal drug. The current study provides requisite pharmacognostic details about C. arborea seeds. Methods: C. arborea seeds are subjected to organoleptic, macroscopic and microscopic examination, physicochemical constants determination, fluorescence study, preliminary phytochemical analysis for quality evaluation. HPTLC fingerprint profile is also developed for Careya arborea seeds. Results: Powder microscopy of Careya arborea seeds showed stone cells, spiral thickening of vessels, fibres and presence of abundant starch grains. The water soluble extractive value was found to be higher as compared to alcohol soluble extractive value. Preliminary phytochemical screening revealed the presence of aleurone grains, carbohydrates, saponins, steroids, mucilage and starch. A developed HPTLC fingerprint profile of methanolic seed extract is unique for the seed of C. arborea and can be used as identifying marker. Conclusion: Pharmacognostic details and HPTLC fingerprint profile of the seeds of C. arborea will provide referential information for correct identification, standardization and updating of monograph and will be helpful to ensure the purity, safety and efficacy of the seeds.