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Pharmacognostic studies on ‘Sappan’ (Caesalpinia sappan Linn.) and its market samples

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Proceedings / Indian Academy of Sciences

Abstract

‘Sappan’ is considered a valuable astringent, alterative tonic, emmenagogue, blood purifier and anticoagulant. It strengthens the bones and teeth and is also used in boils and eruptions. The drug is ascribed to the heartwood ofCaesalpinia sappan. Accordingly, a detailed pharmacognosy ofCaesalpinia sappan was carried out and eight market samples of ‘Sappan’ procured from various parts of the country were evaluated with reference to the genuine drug. The present studies revealed that out of all the market samples studied only those from Bombay (B-II), Rishikesh and Hardwar resembled the genuine drug and were therefore identified as genuineC. sappan. The remaining samples were identified as differentPterocarpus species,Gluta travancorea Bedd. andToona ciliata M. J. Roem.

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Abbreviations

CC:

cell contents

CCM:

corkcambium

COL:

collenchyma

COR:

cortex

CR:

crystal

EP:

epidermis

FIB:

fibre

G:

gum canal

GFIB:

gelatinous fibre

MPR:

metatracheal parenchyma

MR:

meduallary rays

P:

pittings

PAR:

parenchyma

PH:

phloem

PHF:

phloem fibre

PHR:

phloem rays

PI:

pith

PPR:

paratracheal parenchyma

SCL:

sclerenchyma

STC:

stone cell

TY:

tyloses

VE:

vessels

XY:

xylem

XYF:

xylem fibre

XYP:

xylem parenchyma

XYR:

xylem rays

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Pharmacognosy Laboratory, National Botanical Research Institute, 226 001, Lucknow, India

    Shanta Mehrotra & H P Sharma

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  1. Shanta Mehrotra
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  2. H P Sharma
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NBRI Research Publn. No.

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Mehrotra, S., Sharma, H.P. Pharmacognostic studies on ‘Sappan’ (Caesalpinia sappan Linn.) and its market samples. Proc. Indian Acad. Sci. 93, 135–150 (1984). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF03052997

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF03052997

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