PHARMACOGNOSTICAL STUDIES ON THE STEM BARK OF GLIRICIDIA SEPIUM

In the present study, an attempt was made to investigate Pharmacognostical studies on the stem bark of Gliricidia sepium (Fabaceace). The plant was identified and authenticated by Dr. V. Rama Rao, Research officer (Botany), Central Ayurveda Research Institute, Bengaluru. The macroscopical studies have been carried out on the stem bark. The Characters of transverse section of stem bark shows periderm, consisting of several layers of cork, phellogen and Phelloderm. Cork cells having brown pigments in the outermost layer. The cortex region shows the presence of compact, thin-walled, medium-sized parenchymatous cells. Group of stone cells in patches found in the cortex, cortex consists of thin-walled parenchymatous cells embedded with a dispersed stone cell, prismatic crystal of calcium oxalate and sclerenchymatous cells patches with crystal sheath. The longitudinal section shows 3-4 layers of rectangular shaped cells of outer cork followed by globular shaped cells of cortex region with stone cells embedded in it. Towards the middle part some fibers are shown with crystals known as crystal fibers. Medullary rays found crossed the crystal fibers. Powder of bark showing different fragments of cells as 3 cells group of sclereid cells with shining prismatic crystals of calcium oxalate, long fiber with tapering end, crystal fibers, elongated thick lignified walled narrow lumen sclereid cells and broad lumen lignified pitted sclereid cells. . Physicochemical parameters such as moisture content, total ash value, sulphated ash value, Acid insoluble ash value, water-soluble ash value and extractive value fiber length and widh were determined. These can serve in qualifying and differentiating the plant. This research provides valuable insights that will benefit future researchers in their endeavors.