PHARMACOGNOSTIC EVALUATION OF KATPHALA (The bark of Myrica esculenta Buch 鈥� Ham)
Journal name: Ancient Science of Life
Original article title: PHARMACOGNOSTIC EVALUATION OF KATPHALA (The bark of Myrica esculenta Buch 鈥� Ham)
The ANSCI is a peer-reviewed, open-access journal focused on Ayurveda and traditional medicines. It publishes original research, reviews, and literary studies linking traditional knowledge with modern science, covering disciplines like botany, ethnomedicine, pharmacology, and clinical research.
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J. Singh, V. K. Lan, V. P. Trivedi
Ancient Science of Life:
(A quarterly multi-disciplinary scientific research journal in Ayurveda)
Full text available for: PHARMACOGNOSTIC EVALUATION OF KATPHALA (The bark of Myrica esculenta Buch 鈥� Ham)
Year: 1986
Copyright (license): CC BY-NC-SA
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Summary of article contents:
Introduction
Myrica esculenta Buch鈥揌am., also known as Katphala or Kaiphala, is an evergreen tree found in the subtropical regions of the Himalayas, particularly in India. The bark of this tree is utilized extensively in traditional Indian medicine for its astringent, carminative, and antiseptic properties. It has applications in treating conditions caused by deranged phlegm, including respiratory issues like cough and catarrhal fever. Amidst its medicinal significance, this plant species is facing imminent extinction in the U. P. Himalayas due to overharvesting for snuff making and tanning industries, resulting in a shortage of raw material and a rise in adulteration in the market. This study aims to provide critical pharmacognostic data on Myrica esculenta, as there has been no precedent research documenting its characteristics.
Pharmacognostic Evaluation
The research involved a detailed investigation of both the macroscopic and microscopic features of the bark of Myrica esculenta. Macroscopically, the bark appears as flat or curved pieces with a grayish outer surface and a rough inner surface that turns brown upon drying. It has a bitter and astringent taste, with a nauseating odor when dried. Microscopic examinations revealed the bark's structure, showing layered cork cells, phloem tissue, and the presence of stone cells and crystals, which are vital for the drug's identification. The powdered bark exhibited diagnostic characteristics such as numerous calcium oxalate crystals, spheroidal starch grains, and thick-walled sclerenchyma fibers alongside parenchyma fragments. Furthermore, the study measured extractive values and ash contents, which serve as standard parameters for assessing the quality and purity of the bark.
Conclusion
The pharmacognostic evaluation of Myrica esculenta provides essential insights into the bark's macroscopic and microscopic characteristics, extractive values, and ash contents. These findings contribute to establishing standards for the identification and quality control of this important medicinal plant. As its populations face the threat of extinction, such detailed research is imperative for conservation and sustainable use in traditional medicine. The authors acknowledge the support received from the Central Council for Research in Ayurveda and Siddha, which facilitated this critical investigation into Katphala's pharmacognostic properties.
FAQ section (important questions/answers):
What is Katphala and its botanical name?
Katphala, also known as Kaiphala, is derived from the bark of Myrica esculenta Buch鈥揌am. It is an important medicinal bark used in Indian systems of medicine for various health issues.
What are the primary uses of Myrica esculenta bark?
The bark is utilized for its astringent, carminative, and antiseptic properties. It is commonly used to treat conditions related to deranged phlegm, such as catarrhal issues, fever, cough, and throat ailments.
What are the key features of Myrica esculenta's bark?
Macroscopically, the bark is rough, grayish-dark outside and yellowish-brown inside. Microscopically, it displays cork cells, stone cells, prismatic calcium oxalate crystals, and phloem tissue, important for identifying the species.
What phytochemical constituents are found in Myrica esculenta?
Phytochemical tests reveal the presence of proteins, carbohydrates, tannins, glycosides, and mucilage in water extract, while alcoholic extracts show resins, volatile oils, sterols, with some fats and fatty acids detected.
Glossary definitions and references:
Scientific and Ayurvedic Glossary list for 鈥淧HARMACOGNOSTIC EVALUATION OF KATPHALA (The bark of Myrica esculenta Buch 鈥� Ham)鈥�. This list explains important keywords that occur in this article and links it to the glossary for a better understanding of that concept in the context of Ayurveda and other topics.
1) Drug:
In the context of the study, 'Drug' refers to Katphala or Myrica esculenta, a medicinal bark used in Indian systems of medicine. It's noted for various therapeutic properties, such as being astringent and antiseptic, highlighting its importance in herbal pharmacology and traditional practices.
2) Water:
'Water' is a solvent mentioned in the extractive values and phytochemical tests section. It plays a crucial role in determining the extractable compounds from the Myrica esculenta bark, allowing for analysis of its medicinal constituents. Water extraction is a common method in phytochemical studies.
3) Phytochemical:
'Phytochemical' pertains to the chemical compounds that occur naturally in plants. In this study, phytochemical tests were performed to identify and analyze the presence of various bioactive constituents in Myrica esculenta. These compounds contribute to the bark's therapeutic properties.
4) Katphala (Ka峁璸hala, Katphal膩, Ka峁璸hal膩):
'Katphala' is the vernacular name for Myrica esculenta, the species under study. As a significant medicinal plant in Indian systems of medicine, its pharmacognostic evaluation is critical for promoting its conservation and ensuring quality standards in herbal products.
5) Himalaya (Him膩laya, Hima-alaya):
'Himalaya' refers to the geographical region where Myrica esculenta is distributed, specifically from Ravi to Assam and across various hills. This region's diverse flora includes many medicinal plants, emphasizing the ecological significance and potential vulnerability of species like Katphala.
6) Medicine:
'Medicine' encompasses the fields of pharmacology and traditional healing practices. The study focuses on Katphala's role in Indian medicinal systems, showcasing the intersection of traditional knowledge and scientific evaluation in understanding herbal remedies.
7) Pharmacognostical:
'Pharmacognostical' relates to the study of medicinal drugs derived from natural sources, emphasizing the analysis of plant materials. The research provides essential insights into Myrica esculenta's macroscopic and microscopic characteristics, ensuring accurate identification and quality control in herbal medicine.
8) Discussion:
'Discussion' is a section in scientific articles where findings are interpreted and contextualized. In this study, the discussion on macroscopic and microscopic features, along with extractive values, aims to establish standards for Myrica esculenta, promoting its identity and purity.
9) Ayurveda (膧yurveda, Ayus-veda):
'Ayurveda' is a traditional Indian system of medicine where Myrica esculenta, or Katphala, is prominently used. Understanding its pharmacognostic properties can enhance the knowledge about traditional practices and support the integration of scientific validation in Ayurvedic medicine.
10) Science (Scientific):
'Science' in this context refers to the empirical methodologies used to study Myrica esculenta. The research employs scientific techniques, such as microscopic examination and phytochemical analysis, to objectively evaluate the medicinal properties of the bark.
11) Siddha (Siddh膩):
'Siddha' is another traditional Indian medicinal system alongside Ayurveda, focusing on holistic healing practices. Although the primary emphasis in the study is on Ayurveda, the findings about Myrica esculenta may also interest practitioners within the Siddha tradition.
12) Bitter:
'Bitter' describes one of the sensory characteristics of the Myrica esculenta bark, which has a notable bitter taste. This bitter profile may contribute to its therapeutic properties and corresponding applications in treating various ailments related to digestion and respiratory issues.
13) Phlegm:
'Phlegm' is mentioned in relation to the ailments that Myrica esculenta is believed to address. The bark's astringent and antiseptic properties are traditionally used in managing conditions associated with mucus buildup, highlighting its relevance in respiratory health.
14) Ravi (R膩v墨, R膩vin, Ravin):
'Ravi' refers to a geographical location in the context of the distribution of Myrica esculenta across the Himalayan region. It anchors the plant's habitat and ecological significance in relation to the diversity found in the Himalayan flora.
15) Naga (N膩ga, Nag, N膩g膩):
'Naga' is another geographical region mentioned, contributing to the understanding of Myrica esculenta's natural habitat. This highlights the traditional knowledge about the distribution of medicinal plants across various hill ranges in Northeast India.
16) Hand:
'Hand' is used in the methodology for 'hand sections', referring to a technique for preparing slides for microscopic examination. This method is crucial in pharmacognostic studies for providing visual insights into the bark's structure and characteristics.
17) Nagin (N膩g墨, N膩gin, Nagi):
'Nagi' refers to a synonymous scientific name for Myrica esculenta and reflects the plant's taxonomic classification. Understanding the different names and classifications aids in the study's validation and promotes awareness about the species in various regional contexts.
Other Science Concepts:
Discover the significance of concepts within the article: 鈥�PHARMACOGNOSTIC EVALUATION OF KATPHALA (The bark of Myrica esculenta Buch 鈥� Ham)鈥�. Further sources in the context of Science might help you critically compare this page with similair documents:
Medicinal plant, Indian systems of medicine, Medicinal use, Research Institute, Pharmacognostic evaluation, Microscopic characters, Ash Content, Phytochemical Investigation, Macroscopic features, Diagnostic character, Extractive value, Alcoholic extract, Myrica esculenta, Indigenous Drug, Calcium oxalate crystal, Microchemical test, Sieve tubes, Qualitative phytochemical test, Polyphenols and flavonoid.
Concepts being referred in other categories, contexts and sources.