Pharmacognostic and anti-inflammatory studies of the stem bark of Pseudocedrela kotschyi Scheinf Harms (Meliaceae)

The aim of this study was to provide useful diagnostic parameters for the standardization of the plant and also to scientifically validate its acclaimed traditional use. Detailed macroscopy and microscopy studies were carried out using standard methods. Anti-inflammatory activity of the methanol crude extract was investigated using the egg-albumin induced oedema test. The stem bark has bitter taste, rough texture, brittle and fibrous in fracture with a curved convex shape, and brown to white when powdered.  Microscopy revealed the presence of calcium oxalate crystals (14.3 to 57.2 µm), isodiametric sclereids (21.5 to 57.2 µm), fibres (214.5 to 1372.8 µm) and medullary rays (21.5 to 28.6 µm).  There were also cork cells, parenchyma (28.6 to 71.5 µm), pitted vessels (71.5 to 257.4 µm in length and 71.5 to 200.2 µm in width), starches (14.3 to 57.2) and lignified vessels. The high water extractive value (5.40 % w/w) than the alcohol (3.90 % w/w) is an indication of the fact that the bark probably contains polar compounds more than non-polar constituents in conformity with the traditional method of preparation. The pharmacognostic studies showed a set of qualitative and quantitative parameters that are useful in ascertaining the identity of the plant and in determining the quality as well as purity of the crude drug material. The methanol extract of the stem bark of Pseudocedrela kotschyi showed a reduction of inflammatory reactions in the paw of the rats after its injection with the egg albumin. The percentage inhibition for all the doses was almost the same (40%). Key words: Anti-inflammatory, macroscopic, microscopic, pharmacognostic, physicochemical parameters, Pseudocedrela kotschyi.