Pharmacognostical and Phytochemical Characterisation of Cork and Seed of Tamarindus indica Linn.

Introduction: Chincha (Tamarindus indica Linn.) is a tropical tree which is extensively used in Ayurveda and folk practice across South Canara for various ailments such as indigestion, as cardiac tonic, vermifuge, burning sensation, diarrhoea and diabetes. The cork and seed of T. indica has been successfully used by the folklore practitioners of Udupi District in the treatment of various types of wounds. As systematic authentication of herbal raw drug is becoming increasingly important to produce standardized herbal products this study was planned. Methods: Macroscopic features and powder microscopy of cork and seed of T. indica are documented along with their photographs. Phytochemical test was carried out in order to figure out the constituents present in the seed and cork. HPTLC finger print profile of ethanol extract of T. indica cork and seed was also been carried out. Results: Powder microscopy showed the presence of calcium oxalate crystals, group of sclerieds, Crystal fibres in cork and fragments of cotyledone with fixed oil, Parenchymal cells in seeds. Phytochemical screening showed the presence of coumarins, flavanoids, saponins, tannin, alkaloid, steroid and carbohydrate. Conclusion: These diagnostic features can be utilized as a fingerprint for the identification and differentiation of their substitute and adulterants of the plant.