PHARMACOGNOSTIC STUDY OF THE FRUIT AND SEED OF SEABUCKTHORN (HIPPOPHAE RHAMNOIDES SUBSP. TURKESTANICA ROUSI) – A SUPER PLANT OF THE COLD DESERT OF INDIA

Hippophae rhamnoides subsp. turkestanica Rousi. (seabuckthorn), a multipurpose plant growing in the cold desert of the Union Territory of Ladakh, India. The plant samples were collected from Skurbuchan, located at 34° 26′ 07″ N and 76° 42′ 38″ E, along the Indus River bank in the Union Territory of Ladakh, India. The samples are shade-dried. The microscopic observations are examined under different magnifications. The physicochemical properties, such as LoD, ash value, water and alcohol soluble extractive value, and acid insoluble ash, as prescribed in the Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India have also been calculated. The T.S. of fruit pulp reveals a pericarp with an inner endocarp, middle mesocarp, and outer epicarp. The mesocarp contains parenchyma cells with orange material, while the epicarp consists of elongated epidermal cells. The pericarp also has oil droplets and vascular bundles. The seed test a has a hypodermal layer of thick-walled sclereids, followed by a thick endosperm and cotyledon epidermis layer. The powder microscopy also supports the features. Physicochemical analysis shows values recorded in %w/w. The fruit pulp showed a slightly higher moisture content. The total ash and acid-insoluble ash values were relatively higher in the seed (8.5% and 1.25%) than in the fruit pulp (2.75% and 0.25%). However, the alcohol and water extractive values are 54% and 59% for fruit pulp and 15% and 12% for seed. The results obtained from the pharmacognostic studies could be useful to identify and authenticate crude drugs and ensure their quality and purity.