Pharmacognostical standardization of Albizia lebbeck (L.) BENTH (Fabaceae)

Albizia lebbeck (L.) BENTH (Fabaceae), commonly known as Sirisha, traditionally used as astringent, to treat boils, cough, pain, swelling and it is also used against diarrhea. In the present investigation, various pharmacognostical standards for A. lebbeck have been established. Collection of plant material was carried out and its morphological, physico-chemical and phytochemical studies including HPTLC of leaf, root and stem of plant were investigated. Microscopically, leaf of A. lebbeck showed presence of anomocytic stomata, arc shaped and cortical parenchyma. The roots of the plant showed cork cambium, secondary phloem, and calcium oxalate crystals and stem exhibited fibres, parenchyma cells, vessels, stomata, palisade cells and trichomes. Phytochemically, the ethyl acetate and methanol extracts of A. lebbeck showed variety of phytochemicals such as alkaloids, glycosides, steroids, flavonoids, saponin, tannin and phenolic compounds. HPTLC profile of ethyl acetate extract revealed up to six phytoconstituents amongst which gallic acid was most prominent. The study concludes that leaves, roots and stem can be differentiated on the basis of macro and microscopic characters, physico-chemical values, HPTLC fingerprint profile and gallic acid detection as marker component. These studies provide referential information for correct identification and standardization of the plant and also be helpful to differentiate A. lebbeck from the closely related other species of Albizia. Keywords: HPTLC, Gallic acid, Pharmacognostical standardization, Phytochemical analysis