Development of quality control parameters for the standardization of Limonia acidissima L. leaf and stem

Objective: To evaluate the pharmacognostic characters of Limonia acidissima L. (L. acidissima) leaf and stem, an important traditional medicinal plant. Methods: The present study provides pharmacognostic, physicochemical and phytochemical details of leaf and stem of L. acidissima. Micro and macroscopic characters were analyzed. WHO recommended parameters were followed in the entire study. Results: The macroscopic study showed that the leaf was alternate, imparipinnately compound leaf with entire margin, long petiole, apex obtuse and base decurrent, with surface appearance and txture glabrous. The inflorescence was lateral and terminal panicles. The microscopic study of leaf revealed the presence of actinocytic stomata, multicellular trichome, prismatic calcium oxalate crystals, vascular bundles, etc. The powder microscopy also revealed prism like calcium oxalate crystals, multicellular trichome and actinocytic stomata. Physiochemical analysis of dried leaf powder showed total ash, water soluble ash and acid insoluble ash as 9.33%, 1.83% and 1.16% w/w respectively. Preliminary phytochemical screening revealed the presence of maximum amount of flavonoids and tannins. The main microscopic characteristic of stem was 2-3 layers of phellem, phellogen 2-3 layered followed by 7-8 layered phelloderm. Among other microscopic components were presence of xylem parenchyma, xylem vessels, xylem fibres and tracheids. The powder microscopy also revealed presence of annular, spiral vessel, prism crystals and multicellular trichome. Physiochemical analysis of dried stem powder showed total ash, water soluble ash and acid insoluble ash as 3.16%, 0.66% and 0.66% w/w respectively. Preliminary phytochemical screening showed the presence of maximum amount of only flavonoids. Conclusions: Various pharmacognostical characters observed in this study will help in botanical identification and standardization of leaf and stem of L. acidissima and will also help in quality control and formulation development.