Pharmacognostic studies on stem bark of Canarium zeylanicum (Retz.)

Pathirana M.P.K.N.1,2*, Kumarapeli K.A.M.S.2, Dayananda T.G1, Wijayasiriwardena T.D.C.M.K.2

Abstract

Canarium zeylanicum (Retz.) of the family Burseraceae, is an endemic medicinal plant of Sri Lanka which is used for medicinal purposes and as a fumigant to repel mosquitoes for ages. Though, it is endemic, a large number of plants are available throughout the wet zone which can be sustainably utilized for the wellbeing of the public. The present study aims to establish data on macroscopical, microscopical, and certain phytochemical and physicochemical characteristics of stem bark and stem bark powder. Three representative samples were collected from three geographical locations of Sri Lanka and then macroscopical, and microscopical characteristics were investigated. Preliminary phytochemical screening was done on the bark powder after the sequential extractions on hexane, dichloromethane (DCM), and methanol, followed by the development of Thin Layer Chromatography (TLC) fingerprints for the above extracts. Total terpenoid content was estimated in the hexane fraction. Physico-chemical characteristics; total ash, acid-insoluble ash, and moisture contents were analysed. The essential oil content of the bark was determined using the Clevenger apparatus. Microscopically, an abundance of groups of pitted lumen stone cells, crystal fibres, and the presence of prismatic crystals of Calcium oxalate were characteristic anatomical features in the cortical region. Alkaloids, saponins and tannins were observed in methanol fraction and terpenoids in hexane and DCM fractions. Total terpenoid content, total ash and acid insoluble ash contents were 391.84±3.98 mg/g, 9.72±0.07%w/w and 5.00±0.05%w/w respectively. Moisture content was 9.96±0.03%v/w on a wet basis and the essential oil content was 0.26±0.01%v/w on a dry weight basis. Data generated by the present study may be useful to determine the quality and purity of the stem bark of Canarium zeylanicum (Retz.).