Original Articles: 2015 Vol: 7 Issue: 6
Pharmacognostical and physiochemical standardization of Ficusbenghalensis Linn.seed
Abstract
The objective of the study is to perform pharmacognostical and physiochemical standardization of the seeds of Ficus benghalensis Linn. Fresh seed samples were studied macroscopically and microscopically. WHO recommended parameters were estimated for standardization of seeds. Physiochemical investigation was also performed. The detail microscopy of F. benghalensis seed revealed in sectional view the seed is triangular in outline with thick sclerotic sclerotesta and a thin layer of parenchymatous sarcotesta. The parenchyma cells possess dense accumulation of tannin. The powder preparations exhibits calcium oxalate crystals are abundant in the lumen of the seed coat cells. The crystals are 15 μm long and 10 μm broad. Physiochemical properties of F. benghalensis seed revealed the presence of ash content (2.55% w/w), water soluble ash (78.34% w/w), acid soluble ash (98.05% w/w), moisture content (7.68% w/w), loss on drying (4.93% w/w) and foreign matter (0.78% w/w). The pharmacognostical and physiochemical standards developed in this study will provide referential information for identification and standardization of F. benghalensis seed crude drugs.