A Pharmacognostical Study on Albizzia lebbeck Bark

Fresh stembark of Albizzia lebbeck was studied for macro and microscopical characters. Betulinic acid was isolated and identified by M. P., co-chromatography with reference standard and IR spectral characteristics. HPTLC method was developed for quantification of betulinic acid using precoated silica gel plates as a stationary phase, Toluene: Acetone: Acetic acid (100:1:0.1) as a mobile phase and anisaldehyde sulphuric acid as a spray reagent. The bark is rough as longitudinal fissures and transverse cracks are present. TS of bark shows rhytidoma as a major portion followed by stone cell bands and secondary phloem with groups of phloem fibres, with starch and prisms of calcium oxalate being found in all the tissues. Saponins, tannins, triterpenoids and flavanoids were found be the major components of the bark. HPTLC method was developed for quantification of betulinic acid by scanning the plates at 523nm. The quality parameters and HPTLC method developed would serve as useful tools in standardization of Albizzia lebbeck.