Powder microscopy and phytochemical screening on stem bark and leaves of Buxus wallichiana Baill - Buxaceae

Buxus wallichiana Baill, belongs to family Buxaceae, known worldwide for its manifold uses. Traditionally, the leaves are used as a bitter tonic possessing purgative and diaphoretic property. The wood is diaphoretic and tincture of the bark is employed as febrifuge. The paste of the stem bark is used for proficient fracture healing. B. wallichiana is reported to be useful in the treatment of rheumatism, hair growth and syphilis. The wood of the tree are also used for musical and mathematical instruments, cabinet works and in carving. In recent years, there is an emphasis on the Pharmacognostical standardization of medicinal plants for their high therapeutic potential. Hence, the present study deals with the powder microscopy of B. wallichiana stem bark and leaves along with physical constants like ash values, extractive values and preliminary phytochemical analysis. Preliminary phytochemical analysis shows the presence of steroids, alkaloids, saponins and glycosides.