Pharmacognostic, phytochemical, physicochemical and fluorescence analysis of Terminalia bellerica leaf and stem

Abstract

To evaluate the pharmacognostic characters of important medicinal plant Terminalia bellerica Roxb. Micro and macroscopic characters of fresh and dried leaf and stem were analyzed. Physiochemical analyses were done by using WHO recommended parameters and fluorescent behavior of the leaf and stem powder were also tested. Microscopic studies of leaf revealed the presence of cuticle layer, trichomes, calcium oxalate and starch granules and in stem showed epidermis, narrow cortex, and cambium. Physiochemical parameters such as ash values, loss on drying, extractive values, fluorescence analysis were also determined. Preliminary phytochemical screening showed the presence of flavonoid, tannins and triterpenes. Various pharmacognostical characters were observed in study which can help in identification and standardization of T. bellerica.