Pharmacognostic Study and Establishment of Quality Parameters of Leaves of Ficus racemosa Linn.

Abstract:

Introduction: Ficus racemosa Linn. syn. Ficus glomerata Roxb. (Family – Moraceae) is found commonly in India. Recent
pharmacological findings indicate that its leaves possess significant anti-diabetic, anti-ulcer, hepatoprotective, anti-diarrheal,
analgesic, larvicidal, anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory activities, which comply with the claims made in the traditional
medicinal texts. However, no conclusive pharmacognostic study of its 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: Chief microscopic characters
include vascular bundles having patches of perimedullary phloem and sheath of calcium oxalate cluster crystals. Chief
characters of powder include hooked-top trichomes, calcium oxalate prisms, cluster crystals and xylem vessels with
reticulate thickening. Various physicochemical parameters were also established. Phytochemical analysis showed the
presence of many important classes of phytoconstituents like alkaloids, cardiac glycosides, saponins, flavonoids, tannins
and carbohydrates. Conclusion: Such a study would serve as a useful gauge in standardization of the leaf material, isolation
of medicinally important phytoconstituents, performing pharmacological investigations and ensuring quality formulations.