Pharmacognostical studies on the fruit of Elaeocarpus oblongus Gaertn.

Elaeocarpus tectorius (Lour.) Poir, Synonym: Elaeocarpus oblongus auct. non Gaertn. Elaeocarpaceae, is a tree, found throughout Western Ghats, South India. The present study indented to establish the pharmacognostical and physicochemical quality control parameters of E.oblongus fruits to avoid confusion in taxonomic identification. Physicochemical evaluation of fruit was carried out according to the guidelines of WHO/QCMMP and Indian Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia. The elemental analysis was done by using Perkin Elmer 5000 an atomic absorption spectrophotometer. Non glandular unicellular trichomes found to be distinguished character of powder analysis. It was quantified to be 700 μm long and 400 μm thick at the base. Lerachysclereids were found plenty in powder. The rosettes type of calcium oxalate crystals were 15 μm in diameter. Cells of the endosperm showing darkly stained globular bodies and the cotyledon is 170 μm thick. Physio-chemical parameters such as total ash and acid-insoluble ash (2.66% w/w, 0.66% w/w, respectively), extractive values (aqueous 31.068% w/w and alcoholic 30.94% w/w), foreign organic matter (0.5% w/w) and loss on drying (12% w/w) were estimated. Qualitative analysis showed the presence of Fructose, Glucose, Flavanoids and Tannins and Sterols and Phenolic compounds and fatty acids in the fruit. The quantity of elements (μg/g) in the fruit pulp powder was estimated by elemental analysis. The result shows Mn-53.5 and Zn – 46.2 were the major contents. While Pd- 14.3, Cu- 7.5 and Cr- 4.9 were minor the contents. This study provided the pharmacognostical profile used to differentiate the other similar looking fruit from other ones of this genus.

Key words: Western Ghats, Budagas, Ooty, Quality control, Elaeocarpaceae, Edible fruit.