Microscopic investigations and pharmacognostic techniques used for the standardization of leaf of Rhus succedanea var. Himalaica J. D. Hook.

Rhus succedanea is generally traded, distributed, and sold in the markets in its crude and raw form. This may have been mixed with adulterants, mismanaged by malpractices, and substituted with other closely related drugs having different effect. This study is therefore carried out to authenticate the plant through pharmacognostic evaluations including morphological microscopic and physio-chemical features. Morphologically, the Rhus is a perennial small sized deciduous tree, locally, called as Rakhkal in Pashto and Kakarsingi in Urdu. The organoleptic evaluation showed that leaf had pleasant, aromatic odor, and astringent taste. Anatomy of the midrib has shown a typical dicot histological differentiation. The leaf was hypostomatic showing anomocytic stomata with average stomatal number 27.1 +/- 7.2 and stomatal index 14 +/- 3.63. The average vein islet, vein termination, and palisade ratios were 13.6 +/- 3.04, 10.21 +/- 1.92, and 6 +/- 2.01, respectively. Leaf powder showed the existence of various types of tissues. Fluorescence study and percentage extractive values were also carried out. The phytochemical screening showed the presence of carbohydrates, protein, alkaloids, phenols, flavonoids, terpenoids, and anthraquinones, whereas tannins and fixed oil was not detected. Quantitatively highest number of alkaloids 16% and flavonoids 19% in leaf was detected. The above parameters, being reported to the first time for, and are significant toward establishing the microscopic and pharmacognostic standards for future identification and authentication of genuine herbal drug.