Pharmacognostical evaluation of the wild and cultivated variety of Eranda (Ricinus communis Linn.) root

Introduction:Ricinus communis (Linn), belonging to family Euphorbiaceae, known as Eranda, is used in Ayurvedic system of medicine and its root is recommended for the management of pain, inflammation and infertility, etc. It is available both in wild as well as cultivated conditions. Due to high demand, the cultivated variety is mainly used instead of the other. Hence, to ensure botanical identification and authentication of both varieties harmacognostical evaluation of both the variety was undertaken. Method: The present investigation includes macroscopical and microscopical evaluation of both the wild and cultivated root including its powder characteristics following standard procedures. Result:Both the roots vary in colour. Roots of both varieties show similar microscopic characters like cork, parenchyma, xylum, phloem and cambium. Conclusion: The wild root differs from the cultivated one by being dark greyish-brown and greyish brown in colour, respectively. Both the varieties have same pharmacognostical characters except the presence of tyloses in the wild variety.