COMPARATIVE PHARMACOGNOSTICAL AND PHYTOCHEMICAL STUDY OF LEAVES OF DIFFERENT SPECIES OF MIMUSOPS

Background: Two primary species of Mimusops are Mimusops elengi and Mimusops hexandra. Leaves of both species are traditionally used in several ailments. However, it is difficult to distinguish the leaves of the species. Objectives: The present investigation deals with the comparative pharmacognostical study of the leaves of the two species and establishment of its quality parameters. Methods: Detailed morphological and qualitative as well as quantitative microscopic study was carried out. This was followed by phytochemical screening and estimation of tannins in the two species. Results: The important diagnostic feature of powder of both leaves include pericyclic fibers, rosette and prism shape calcium oxalate crystals and resinous matter. The leaves show significant difference in their quantitative microscopic parameters as well as their tannin content. Conclusion: The present work can serve as a useful tool in the identification, authentication and standardization of the plant material and distinguishing the two species from each other.