Pharmacognostic Studies and Physicochemical Properties of the Polyalthia longifolia var. pendula Leaf

The term pharmacognosy, a constituent scientific discipline of pharmacy, has been in use for nearly 200 years and it refers to the studies on natural product drugs. The present study deals with the macroscopic and microscopic studies of Manilkara hexandra (Roxb.) Dubard leaf. The anatomy of the leaf was studied by taking transverse section which showed anomocytic stomata, unicellular trichomes, etc. Powder microscopic examination showed presence of pitted pericyclic fibres, spiral xylem vessels and calcium oxalate crystals. Physicochemical parameters and heavy metal analysis of the powder were also carried out. The present investigation on M. hexandra leaf might be useful to supplement information in regard to its identification parameters. Such studies are important in the way of acceptability of herbal drugs in present scenario of lacking regulatory laws to control quality of herbal drugs.