Pharmacognostical and preliminary phytochemical studies of stem bark of ailanthus excelsa roxb

Abstract

Objective: The present study was aimed for pharmacognostic and preliminary phytochemical studies of stem bark of Ailanthus excelsa Roxb belonging to the family Simarubaceae. Materials and Methods: The pharmacognostic investigation was carried out in terms of macroscopic, microscopic parameters. Result: The extract obtained after successive Soxhlet extraction of dried and coarsely powdered stem bark using petroleum ether, chloroform, ethanol and distilled water were subjected to a preliminary phytochemical screening which revealed the presence of carbohydrates, proteins, phytosterols and triterpenenoids. Conclusion: The present investigation reflects the structural identity and chemical nature of the crude drug which could be useful in laying down pharmacopoeial standards as standardization is an important aspect in assessing the quality, safety and efficacy of herbal medicines.