Pharmacognostic and Phytochemical Evaluation of the bark of Grewia tiliifolia Vahl.

Introduction: Grewia tiliifolia Vahl. is an important ethnomedicinal tree widely distributed in the tropical and sub-tropical areas and has been used as a source of herbal shampoo by the local communities in many places of Kerala, India. It has been routinely used in the traditional Ayurvedic medicines against cough, ulcers, cancer, skin diseases, pruritus, wounds and urinary infections. Objective: The aim of this study was the pharmacognostical standardisation of G. tiliifolia. Methods: Pharmacognostic evaluation of G.tiliifolia bark was carried out by usual macroscopic and microscopic examinations and phytochemical screening. In addition, the quantification of major phytoconstituents such as alkaloids, flavonoids, phenols, tannins, saponins and carotenoids were carried out by standard procedures which can further throw light on the medicinal use of this ethnobotanically important plant. Results: Anatomical studies revealed the presence of prismatic crystals of calcium oxalate and druses in the stem and bark. Mucilage cavities were observed only in the stem. Histochemical studies revealed that the tissues of phloem parenchyma are the main localising region of various phytoconstituents. The physicochemical examinations along with the estimation of alkaloids, flavonoids, phenols, tannins, saponins and carotenoids will help in setting the pharmacopoeial standards of G.tiliifolia. Conclusion: The present study provides useful information that will help in the exact identification as well as assessment of purity of crude drugs of G.tiliifoia.