Abstract:

The medicated oil prepared with the whole plant of Acrotrema arnottianum Wight, (Dilleniaceae) is used by the Malavedan tribe of Kerala to prevent excessive hair fall and baldness. As a promising ethnomedicinal plant, systematic and detailed pharmacognostical studies as per the standard procedures were carried out. There are no previous reports on pharmacognosy and anatomy of this medicinal plant. Macro-and micro-morphological parameters discussed can be considered as distinguishing standards to identify and decide the authenticity of the drug. Quantitative microscopic parameters which includes the stomatal index, palisade ratio and vein-islet number are also distinguishing features. Powder microscopy of the drug, the behaviour of the powdered drug with different chemical reagents and its fluorescence analysis are also observed to characterise the crude drug.