Standardization of homoeopathic drug: Buxus sempervirens L.

Abstract

Background: Buxus sempervirens L. (Buxaceae), is a small tree, used in Homoeopathy for acute pain, increase in pulse rate and nausea. Leaves and stems are used in the preparation of medicine. Objective: The pharmacognostic and physico-chemical studies are carried out to facilitate use of correct species and standard raw materials. Material and Methods: Pharmacognostic studies of leaf and stem of authentic samples of Buxus sempervirens have been carried out. Physico-chemical parameters of the raw drug, namely, extractive values, ash value, formulation besides weight per milliliter, total solids, alcohol content, High Performance Thin Layer Chromatography (HPTLC) and Ultraviolet (UV) studies are given for the mother tincture. Results: The leaves are nearly sessile, opposite, entire, narrowly lanceolate or ovate and up to 2.5 cm. The stomata are paracytic and confined to the abaxial side. Unicellular conical hair and peltate scaly hair occur on the adaxial side near the base. The midvein is ribbed on either sides. Crystalliferous idioblasts occur towards the abaxial side at the midvein and lamina. Secretory canals occur in the mesophyll. A single vascular bundle is present in the midvein. The stem is quadrangular. The vascular tissue is present as a cylinder with four cortical bundles, one each in the angles. The microscopical and organoleptic characteristics of the powder are provided. Conclusion: The powder microscopic features and organoleptic characters along with anatomical and physico-chemical studies are diagnostic to establish the standards for ensuring quality and purity of the drug.