Preliminary Phytochemical Screening and Proximate Analysis of the trunk bark of Alstonia scholaris (L.) R.Br.

Abstract

Alstonia scholaris (L.) R.Br. (Apocynaceae), called satiyana in Assamese, is an evergreen tropical tree native to the Indian sub-continent and South East Asia. A. scholaris has a rough grayish bark and a milky sap rich in poisonous alkaloids. The tree is traditionally used by many ethnic groups of North-East India and elsewhere as a remedy for various ailments. Scientific standardization and pharmaco-botanical parameters for the trunk bark is limited; hence this study, which attempts to both analyze the phytochemical composition and establish a physicochemical standard. This information will be helpful in controlling quality parameters for the development of drugs.