Pharmacognostical and phyto-chemical study of paribhadra twak (Erythrina indica Lam.) 

Abstract

Paribhadra (Erythrina indica Lam.) is one of the easily available drugs in Ayurveda belonging to Leguminaceae family. It is a thorny deciduous tree growing up to 60 feet height. The present work includes an exploration of morphology, qualitative, quantitative microscopy and phytochemical screening of stem bark of Erythrina indica Lam. Transverse section of mature bark showed the presence of stratified and lignified cork cells; secondary cortex consists of large, tangentially elongated parenchymatous cells, calcium oxalate crystals, circular stone cells, parenchymatous cells surrounding the stone cells and large crystals of calcium oxalate. The powder microscopy revealed the presence of calcium oxalate crystals, cork cells, strongly lignified phloem fibers, stone cells, calcium oxalate crystals and starch grains. Phytochemical analysis showed the presence of phytoconstituents like carbohydrates, flavonoids, alkaloids, tannins and phenolics. HPTLC finger printing technique was performed.