Pharmacognostic Evaluation of Aegle marmelos (L.) Correa. Leaves

Aegle marmelos (L.) Correa. called “Bael” is an indigenous, scared, endangered medicinal tree in India. The leaves possess extensive medicinal properties which are used in traditional systems of medicine. Authentication of a medicinal plant sample can be achieved by pharmacognostic studies. The pharmacognostic evaluation of Aegle marmelos leaves revealed stomatal index of 70.83% with paracytic stomata. Transverse section of mature leaves showed secondary growth in vascular bundle. The pericycle represented by patches of sclerenchymatous fibres were evident. Large resin canals were evident beneath the epidermis. The phytochemical analysis of aqueous extract revealed the presence of phenols, terpenoids, flavonoids, gums, resins, steroids, saponins and glycosides .The fluorescent analysis revealed flourescent green emission when treated with sodium hydroxide which indicates the presence of flavonoid. The powder analysis showed absence of trichome; resin globules and fibers were evident.