Pharmacognostic and preliminary photochemical studies on Adansonia digitata Linn. Root bark and stem bark

Abstract

Adansonia digitata L. commonly known as “Baobab” tree, belongs to the family Bombacaceae. The stem bark and root bark of the plant are used traditionally in the treatment of malaria, diarrhea, inflammation, and pain. Although it is used traditionally, scientifically the plant is yet to be evaluated for its Pharmacognostical characters. Hence, the plant was subjected to macro-microscopic, Photomicrographic, physicochemical, and preliminary phytochemical tests to fix the quality standards for this drug. The plant was collected from the Jamnagar district in Gujarat. Plant authentication, Pharmacognostical study, physicochemical and phytochemical study was performed by following standard procedures as per Ayurvedic pharmacopeia of India. Microscopic studies have shown in the root bark presence of stone cells with the narrow lumen and long striations, rosette crystals and cluster crystals while in the stem bark presence of pitted stone cells and cluster crystals. Physicochemical parameters show higher ash content in root bark (12.47±1.42% w/w) than the stem bark (6.22 ± 0.28%w/w) and water-soluble extractive value of both the samples has been found more in comparison to alcohol soluble extractive value. This study would be useful in the identification and authentication of the raw drug.