This presentation has been made for educational purpose. The presentation covers microscopic characteristics of kurchi bark. The transverse section, powder microscopy, micro-chemical tests and chemical tests of kurchi bark are discussed in presentation . The presentation is useful for preparation of competitive examinations like GPAT.

1. Microscopy of Kurchi bark
Mr. Vipul. A. Sansare
M.Pharm (Pharmaceutics)
Contact No. :8692930764
Email :avipulsansare@gmail.com

2. Synonym: Holarrhena, Kurchi
BS: Dried stem bark of the
Holarrhena antidysentrica
Family: Apocynaceae.
Collected from plants of 8 to 12 years old.

3. Chemical constituents: Contain NLT 2% of
alkaloids.
Alkaloids like Conessine (30%),
Norconessine, Isoconessine and kurchicine.
Uses: Antiprotozoal in dysentery and
malaria, astringent and tonic

4. T.S. of kurchi bark

5. Powder microscopy
• Cork cells: Thin walled, few are colourless
and few with yellowish brown matter.
• Stone cells: Rectangular to oval shape,
lignified, striated walls.
• Medullary rays: Parenchyma cell at right
angle
• Starch grains: Few, simple grains.
• Calcium oxalate crystals: Rhombic /diamond
shape.
• Phloem fibres are absent.

6. Micro-chemical tests
Reagent Observations Characteristics
Phloroglucinol +
conc. HCl
Pink colour Lignified stone cells
Iodine solution Blue colour Starch
Conc. Sulphuric acid Green colour Stone cells
Dil acetic acid Insoluble Calcium oxalate crystals
Dil. Hydrochloric
acid
Crystal soluble Calcium oxalate crystals
Sulphuric acid (60%) Needles of calcium
sulphate crystals
form on standing
Calcium oxalate crystals

7. Chemical tests
General chemical tests for alkaloids