Pharmacognostic, Physico-chemical and Phytochemical Evaluation of Leaves of a Species of 'Paarshva-pipla': Ficus arnottiana

Introduction: 'Paarshva-pipla' is an important drug mentioned in the traditional medicinal texts. However, two completely different species are used as 'Paarshva-pipla': Thespesia populnea (Malvaceae) and Ficus arnottiana (Moraceae). Recent pharmacological findings indicate that leaves of Ficus arnottiana possess significant anti-ulcer activity which complies with the claims made in the traditional medicinal texts regarding 'Paarshva-pipla'. However, no conclusive pharmacognostic study of the leaves has been performed yet. Methods: The present investigation deals with the qualitative and quantitative microscopic evaluation of the leaf material and establishment of its quality parameters, including physicochemical and phytochemical evaluation. Results: Main characters of the transverse section include presence of bi-layered palisade, cystoliths, pericyclic fibers and perimedullary phloem. Diagnostic characters of powder include pericyclic fibers, cystoliths, anomocytic stomata, horse-shoe shaped xylem vessels and xylem vessels with annular thickening. Phytochemical analysis showed the presence of many important classes of phytoconstituents like alkaloids, cardiac glycosides, saponins, flavonoids, phenolics and carbohydrates. Conclusion: Such a study would help in distinguishing Ficus arnottiana from Thespesia populnea and make way for isolation of phytoconstituents, therapeutic investigations and standardization of formulations containing its leaf material. Most importantly, it may throw light on the true botanical identity of 'Paarshva-pipla'.