Comparative pharmacognosy atlas of Pum Kutaja (Holarrhena antidysenterica Wall. Ex A. Dc.) And Stree Kutaja (Wrightia tinctoria (Roxb.) R. Br.)

Kutaja is commonly used for amoebic dysentery, piles and skin diseases. Male and female varieties of Kutaja are mentioned in Ayurvedic classics which are sourced from Holarrhena antidysenterica Wall. ex A. DC. and Wrightia tinctoria (Roxb.) R. Br. respectively. Present study was undertaken to have a brief outlook of similarities and dissimilarities between the barks of both the plants. The samples were subjected to macro- and microscopic analysis, powder microscopy, physicochemical, phytochemical and HPTLC evaluation. Pharmacognostic analysis revealed both sources had crystals of calcium oxalate, stone cells and sclereids in common. However, phloem fibres were present only in W. tinctoria. Whereas, pericyclic fibres and starch grains were present in H. antidysenterica. Powder microscopy of H. antidysenterica showed parenchyma with starch grains and sclereids whereas, thin walled septate fibres and cut latex vessels were seen in W. tinctoria. HPTLC revealed similar Rf values in both the samples.