Phytopharmacopoeial specifications of Garcinia indica fruit rinds.

Introduction: Nature always stands as a golden mark to exemplify the outstanding phenomenon of symbiosis. Herbal medicines are the products of therapeutic experiences, of generations of practising physicians of indigenous systems of medicine for over hundreds of years. Garcinia indica Choisy Syn Brindonia indica, commonly known as kokum and belonging to Guttiferae family, is a popular plant native to certain regions of India. The plant has long been used in traditional Ayurvedic medicine for its magical effects in curing various diseases. Objective: To present a systematic investigation of phytopharmacopoeial standards for the fruit rinds of Garcinia indica by performing pharmacognostical parameters. Material and Methods: Fresh fruit rinds sample and dried power of the fruit rinds were studied macromorphologically and cytomorphologically along with its detail physicochemical and phytochemical investigation. Other WHO recommended parameters for standardizations were also investigated. Results: Macroscopic studies showed that fruit rind shape - round, oblong or oval with pointed tips and, were crowned by the four parted stalkless stigma with reddish black colour, aromatic odour and sour taste. The detailed microscopy revealed presence of parts of pericarp, oleo resin cells etc. the other physicochemical parameters were stands within the standardized range. Conclusion: The standardization parameters provide referential information for correct identification of the plant material and will also be useful in preparation of monographs on these plants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]