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.
