Microscopic evaluation and physiochemical analysis of Dillenia indica leaf.

OBJECTIVE To study detail microscopic evaluation and physiochemical analysis of Dillenia indica (D. indica) leaf. METHODS Fresh leaf sample and dried power of the leaf were studied macroscopically and microscopically. Preliminary phytochemical investigation of plant material was done. Other WHO recommended parameters for standardizations were also performed. RESULTS The detail microscopy revealed the presence of anomocytic stomata, unicellular trichome, xylem fibres, calcium oxalate crystals, vascular bundles, etc. Leaf constants such as stomatal number, stomatal index, vein-islet number and veinlet termination numbers were also measured. Physiochemical parameters such as ash values, loss on drying, extractive values, percentage of foreign matters, swelling index, etc. were also determined. Preliminary phytochemical screening showed the presence of steroids, terpenoids, glycosides, fatty acids, flavonoids, phenolic compounds and carbohydrates. CONCLUSIONS The microscopic and physiochemical analysis of the D. indica leaf is useful in standardization for quality, purity and sample identification.