Pharmacognostic standardization and physicochemical evaluation of Caesalpinia crista L. root for quality control assessment

Abstract

Background: Caesalpinia crista Linn. (Caesalpiniaceae) have been used widely as ethnomedicinal practices and traditional medicine for its medicinal values. Conventionally, the plant was used for the treatment of bladder stone, fever, leucorrhea, as a tonic for rheumatism and backache; there is no published data on standardization of the plant for its authenticity, quality, and purity. Aim: The present study was to scientifically establish a pharmacognostic profile of C. crista root as per standard procedures. Materials and Methods: The investigation deals with comprehensive pharmacognostical parameters were carried out by organoleptic, microscopic characters, physicochemical, and phytochemical studies. Results: The present study provides the general organoleptic, microscopic characteristics of the root. Physicochemical studies revealed total ash (9.20 ± 0.17), acid insoluble ash (1.25 ± 0.11), water-soluble ash (3.1 ± 0.05), alcohol-soluble extractive (11.54 ± 0.46), and water-soluble extractive (12.66 ± 0.24), respectively. Preliminary phytochemical screening of root revealed the presence of carbohydrates, proteins, alkaloids, triterpenoids, glycosides, flavonoids, tannins, diterpenes, glycosides, and saponins. Conclusion: These studies will provide referential information for the correct taxonomical identification, standardization, and establishing monograph of C. crista.

Keywords

• caesalpinia crista (linn.)
• pharmacognostic analysis
• physicochemical standards
• phytochemical analysis