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