Pharmacognostical studies on stem bark of Canarium strictum Roxb

Aim & Background: Resin of Canarium strictum Roxb., is an imperative commodity in traditional medicine in South and South East Asia. The current study aims to establish the quality control parameters for the bark as it secreted more useful resin. Methods: Anatomical studies and physiochemical evaluation of the bark was carried out according to the standard procedure was given in WHO/QCMMP guidelines and Indian Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia. The anatomical studies of tissues were taken as photographs with different magnifications by using Nikon lab photo 2 microscopic Unit. The elemental analysis was done by using Perkin Elmer 5000 an atomic absorption spectrophotometer. Results: The different cell components were studied and measured quantitatively. The calcium oxalate prismatic crystals were estimated about 10×10 or 10×5μm in size. The sclereids were very long of unlimited length and 10μm in thickness. The long narrow lignified fibers has been found and estimated about 210–260μm long and about 10μm thick. The height of the ray is up to 350μm in height and 60μm in breadth. The physiochemical parameters such as total ash and acid insoluble ash (5.52% w/w, 2.66% w/w, respectively), extractive values (aqueous 4.55% w/w and alcoholic 6.05% w/w), foreign organic matter (2.4%) and loss on drying (7.09% w/w) were also estimated. An elemental analysis result shows the quantity of elements (μg/g) were present in the bark powder. Among the elements Mn-73.6, Cu-65.4, Cr-49.5 were major contents, while Pd-25.6 and Zn-35.4 were the minor contents. Conclusion: The current study report will be unique finger print for microscopical evaluation of bark of this tree and also used to differentiate the plant species among Canarium L.

Key words: Burseraceae, Western Ghats, Quality control, Siddha medicine, Black dammer, Rheumatism.