PHARMACOGNOSTIC EVALUATION OF SALIENT FEATURES OF BABULA (ACACIA ARABICA WILLD.) FRUIT

Background: Acacia arabica Willd. (syn. Vachellia nilotica), commonly known as Babula, is a significant medicinal plant in Ayurvedic and traditional medicine systems. Although various parts of the plant are used therapeutically. Materials and Methods: Pharmacognostical studies were carried out through macroscopic, microscopic (TS and LS), and powder microscopy methods using standard procedures and staining agents such as Saffranine, Iodine, and Sudan III. Observation & Result: Transverse sections showed multilayered mesocarp, uniseriate trichomes, thin cuticle, endocarp with multiple stone cell layers, and inclusions like starch grains, oil globules, acicular crystals, and aleurone grains. Longitudinal sections confirmed the presence of spiral vessels and trichomes. Powder microscopy revealed unicellular trichomes, macro-sclereids, cotyledon cells, stone cells, and epidermal fragments. Conclusion: The pharmacognostical study of Acacia arabica fruit reveals key diagnostic features aiding its accurate identification. These findings support its authentication and standardization in Ayurvedic and traditional medicine.