Abstract

Dr. Dhanapal Venkatachalam*

ABSTRACT

Objective: The present investigation has been carried out to determine preliminary and pharmacognostic characteristics of Zizyphus mauritiana Lam. belongs to family Rhamnaceae and commonly known as Indian jujube or ber. Its leaves are used in the treatment of diarrhoea, gastric disorder, fever, liver damage and pulmonary disorders. Method: Macroscopic and microscopic study of the fresh and dry drug and determination of physicochemical parameters were performed. Results: Leaves are oval or sub-orbicular, alternate and petiolate from 4 mm to 5 mm. The limb, dark green in colour, is polished on the upper side and whitish and then densely tomentose on the lower side. The anatomo-histological cut of the limb showed a median rib slightly curved on the upper surface and strongly bulging on the lower side and a broader limb. Each epidermis consisted of small, visible cells more or less rectangular, is covered with a cuticle, outer lipoidal covering; impermissive and resistant, giving it a protective role. The cross-section of the stem, revealed a quadrangular shape, has two distinct zones: the bark and the central cylinder. The less developed bark comprises of 4 tissues (cuticle, epidermis, collenchyma and cortical parenchyma). The central cylinder, more developed than the bark, is composed of primary tissues (bone, wood, medullary parenchyma, sclerenchyma, and perimedullary fiber). The sclerenchyma occurs in small clusters around the conductive system. The chemical compositions of the leaves are proteins & amino acids, flavonoids, alkaloids, glycosides, terpenoides, saponins, fibers, tannins and phenolic compounds. Conclusion: Pharmacognostic analysis and physicochemical characteristics can help in the efficient utilization of this medicinal plant.