Preprint / Version 1

Pharmacognostic studies of insect gall of Quercus infectoria Olivier (Fagaceae)

Authors

  • Savitri Shrestha Department of Chemistry, SBMJC, Jain University, Bangalore-560002, India
  • Vasuki Kaushik National Referral Centre for Lead Projects in India (NRCLPI), Koramangala, Bangalore-560095, Karnataka, India
  • Ravi Eshwarappa Department of Chemistry, SBMJC, Jain University, Bangalore-560002, India
  • Sundara Subaramaihha Research Unit in Vrukshayurveda, A division of Centre for Advanced Studies in Biosciences, Jain University, Chamrajpete, Bangalore-560019, India
  • Latha Ramanna Dayananda Sagar College of Applied Science, Kumarswamy layout, Bangalore, Karnataka, India
  • Dhananjaya Lakkappa Toxinology Lab, School of Chemical and Biotechnology (SCBT), SASTRA University, Thanjavur, Tamilnadu, India

Keywords:

Quercus infectoria, Gall extracts, Traditional medicine, Pharmacognostic study, Microscopic studies.

Abstract

Objective To study the detailed pharmacognostic profile of galls of Quercus infectoria Olivier (Q. infectoria olivier) (Fagaceae), an important medicinal plant used in the Indian system of medicine. Methods Samples of galls of Q. infectoria were studied by macroscopical, microscopical, physiochemical, phytochemical, fluorescence analysis and othjer methods for standardization as recommended by WHO. Results Macroscopically, the crude drug is globose with horny appearances on external surface (1.4-2.3 cm in length and 1-1.5 cm in diameter), with greyish-brown to brownish-black in colour externally and dark brown buff colored. Surface is smooth with numerous horny protuberances giving rough touch, and with unpleasant odour. Microscopically, a wide zone of radially elongated parenchyma cells between upper and lower epidermis were found. The vascular strands were present at all places and radially elongated sclerides touched the lower epidermis. In physico-chemical studies, the moisture, total ash, acid insoluble ash, alcohol soluble, water soluble, petroleum ether, chloroform extractive value and tannin content were found to be 2.790, 5.020, 0.110, 38.780, 41.210, 0.402, 1.590 and 49.200 percentage respectively. Preliminary phytochemical screening showed the presence of phenols, flavonoids, steroids, triterpenes, tannins, saponins and alkaloids. Conclusions The results of the present study serve as a valuable source of information and provide suitable standards for identification of this medicinally important plant drug material for future investigations and applications. Keywords: Quercus infectoria, Gall extracts, Traditional medicine, Pharmacognostic study, Microscopic studies.

Author Biography

Ravi Eshwarappa, Department of Chemistry, SBMJC, Jain University, Bangalore-560002, India

Research Unit in Vrukshayurveda, A division of Centre for Advanced Studies in Biosciences, Jain University, Chamrajpete, Bangalore-560019, India

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