Authentication and Proximate Analysis of Madhuka indica Gmell. - A Wild Edible Flowers Used for Traditional Fermentation of Ayurvedic Biomedicines

Introduction: Madhuka indica Gmel. (Sapotaceae) is a medium sized deciduous tree, the flowers of which are commonly known as Madhukapushpa. These wild flowers are said to possess rich source of nutrition apart from possessing many therapeutic properties. Shade dried flowers added as fermentation initiators in Asava-arishta (fermented alcoholic preparations). Hence pharmacognostic study on this flower has been designed along with its proximate analysis. Methods: Flowers collected from the authenticated trees were used for the study, after proper cleaning from extraneous matter. Macro-microscopy, physicochemical standards and nutraceutical composition studied using standard methodology. Results: Cream coloured pleasant smelling corolla; thick epidermal cuticle which packs within itself sugary, pulpy and parenchymal cells- are the characteristic Macro-microscopic features of flower respectively. Physico-chemical Standards obtained in this study will help authentication of the sample. Nutritional assessment of flowers disclosed these to be rich in both reducing sugar (31.25% w/w) and non-reducing sugar (20.625% w/w). Conclusion: Flowers of Madhuka indica Gmel. having rich pharamaceutical and nutritional benefit have investigated scientifically to record their proximate analytical value along with macro-microscopic standards. Results drawn out of this study will prove as standard parameters to authenticate the sample.