Exploration of Pharmacognostical, Preliminary Phytochemical Investigation, Taxometric Analysis and DNA Barcoding of Simarouba Glauca DC.

Abstract

Background: Simarouba glauca, commonly known as Lakmitaru or paradise tree, belongs to Simaroubaceae. It is traditionally referred to as “Dysentery Bark” due to its well-known use against dysentery. The plant is native to Southern Florida, West indies and Brazil. In India, Simarouba glauca is traditionally used for the treatment of Helminthic infection, dysentery, hypotension, cancer and diabetes.

Material and methods: Phytochemical investigations revealed the presence of alkaloid, flavonoid, terpenoid, anthraquinone, steroids, phenol, saponin, tannin, carbohydrate. The plant has demonstrated various pharmacological activities, including antibacterial, antifungal, antioxidant, anticancer, anti-proliferation and pro-apoptotic activity, anti- inflammation, antimicrobial, antimalarial, antiamoebic, antiulcer, hepatoprotective, reducing patchy skin saturation, haemolytic, acaricidal, hypertensive, antidysentery, analgesic and anti-leukemic activities. In the present study, fresh leaves of Simarouba glauca were collected, authenticated, shade dried, coarsely powdered and extracted using Aqueous solvent system. The extract was concentrated and stored in air tight container for further analysis.

Result and discussion: Macroscopical and microscopical examinations were carried out for the identification of the plant in both whole and powdered forms, while supplementary analyses including powder microscopy, physicochemical evaluation, fluorescence analysis, taxometric studies and DNA barcoding further confirmed its authenticity.

Conclusion: The present article draws phytochemical analysis of the plant shows presence of beta carboline alkaloid, flavonoid, tannin, carbohydrate, steroid, terpenoid and quantitatively estimates harmaline(0.0079mg/g), quercetin (0.0055mg/g), gallic acid(0.0009mg/g), tannic acid (0.0018 mg/g) and thymol (0.0070mg/g) equivalent in Simarouba glauca.