Pharmacognostic evaluation of Desmodium oojeinense (Roxb.) H. Ohashi - Stem bark

Abstract

Introduction: Desmodium oojeinense (Roxb.) H. Ohashi, (Syn. Ougeinia oojeinensis (Roxb.) Hochr. is a tree belonging to family Fabaceae. Bark is reported to be astringent, acrid, cooling, anti inflamatory, sadorrificand rejuvenating and used in the treatment of diabetes. Method: Detailed macroscopy , microscopy, histochemical tests, fluorescense analysis, behaviour of powdered drug with different chemical reagents were performed for pharmacognostic evaluation of stem bark by following standard methods. Results: Stem bark showed presence of rhytidomes, groups of stone cells, resin ducts, uni and biseriate medulary rays, starch grains, prismaic crystals of calcium oxalate. Histochemical tests, behaviour of drug with different chemical reagents and fluorescense analysiss howed the presence of lignin, resin, oils and crystals which would prove to be a unique parameters for identification of the drug. Conclusion: Findings of this study will be helpful for identification and authentication of stem bark.