Pharmacognostic studies on the leaves of Manilkara zapota L. (Sapotaceae)

Manilkara zapota L. (Sapotaceae) leaves have been reported to exhibit antibacterial and antioxidant activities. Establishment of pharmacognostic profile of the leaves will assist in standardization for quality, purity and sample identification. The present study was carried out to investigate macroscopical, microscopical and physiochemical parameters of Manilkara zapota L. leaves. Some of the diagnostic features of the leaves are the presence of trichomes, calcium oxalate prism, vessels, stomata, epidermis, and collenchyma cells. All the parameters were studied according to WHO guidelines. The determination of these characters will help future researchers in phytochemical as well as pharmacological analysis of this species.