PHYTO-PHARMACOGNOSTICAL EVALUATION AND HPTLC FINGER-PRINTING PROFILE OF LEAVES OF SAPTAPARNA [ALSTONIA SCHOLARIS (L.) R. BR.]

Objective: We report the phyto-pharmacognostic evaluation and HPTLC finger-printing profile of the methanolic extract of Saptaparṇa [Alstonia scholaris (L.) R. Br.] leaves – unaffected and gall-affected, collected in January 2019. Materials and Methods: Physicochemical parameters and phytochemical screening were done by standard procedures. HPTLC finger-printing profile of the methanolic extracts of dried leaves and dried leaves with gall was performed on pre-coated TLC silica gel 60F₂₅₄ plates with hexane: EtOAc: MeOH: formic acid (5:4.5:0.5:0.5 v/v) as developing solvent, with observation at 254 and 366 nm. Results: Some of the leaves had 15-20 galls on both surfaces. Powder Microscopy of the bitter-tasting green color leaf powder showed a group of epidermal cells, unicellular trichomes, elongated stone cells in the group, prismatic calcium oxalate crystals, single-layered fibers, reticulate vessels, anomocytic stomata, and reddish-brown color tannin matter; epidermis of gall cells, insect body in affected leaves. Phytochemical screening revealed the presence of alkaloids, carbohydrates, terpenoids/steroids, phenolic compounds/ tannins, but an absence of reducing sugars and flavonoids. A large number of bands were observed on HPTLC chromatograms – many showed red fluorescence at 366 nm. Methanolic extracts of leaves, with or without galls, gave similar results as regards the number and position of the bands, an additional band of low R_f was discernible in the extract of leaves with gall. However, there were some instances of variations in peak intensities, a few exhibiting marked differences. Conclusion: There is a clear indication that there is a significant difference between concentrations of some phytoconstituents in leaves with and without galls. The phyto-pharmacognostical studies and HPTLC finger-printing profiles can be used for the authentication and identification of the leaves of this medicinally important plant.