Present study was designed for detailed pharmacognostic profile of stem bark of Z. xylopyrus, family Rhamnaceae an important plant in the Indian system of medicine. Stem bark samples of Z. xylopyrus were studied by macroscopical, microscopical, physicochemical, phytochemical and powder characters of the plant and other methods for standardization recommended by WHO. Macroscopically the stem bark is red brown colour, aromatic odour and having pungent taste. Microscopically stem bark shows the presence of phelloderm with presence of tannin content, pholem fibres, sieve tubes, calcium oxalate crystals. Powder microscopy of stem bark revealed the presence of gelatinous fibre, fibre sclereiods, unicellular unbranched trichomes, periderm cells, prismatic calcium oxalate crystals and parenchymatous cells. Physicochemical parameters such as ash value extractive values were determined and results showed that total ash value of stem bark is higher than other ash values. Water soluble extractive value of stem bark was higher than alcohol soluble extractive value. Preliminary phytochemical screening showed the presence of alkaloids, carbohydrates, steroids and sterol, glycosides, saponins, flavonoids, phenolic compounds, triterpenoids in ethanolic and aqueous extracts of stem bark. The results of the study can serve as a valuable source of information and provide suitable standards for identification of this plant material in future investigation and application.
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