Root micromorphology can play a vital role in the systematics of angiosperms to understand the complexity among different genera and species. Present study is about microscopic and physiochemical evaluation of Rhus succedanea root belonging to the family Anacardiaceae. Various organoleptic characteristics of root were studied. Microscopy showed that transverse section of the root appeared rounded and presented a typical histological differentiation having different average cells length and width. Under light microscopy and scanning electron microscopy, the powder revealed the existence of pitted xylem vessels, phloem sieve elements, phloem fibers and cork cells, and so forth. Fluorescence study of the powder showed various shades of color that gives a valuable information regarding characterization, authentication, and identification of the plant material. These documented information can be acted as record and monograph of a specific plant materials. Nutritional composition of root showed that Ash, fat, protein, carbohydrates, and total gross energy were higher in summer as compared to winter season. On the other hand, moisture and fibers were higher in winter and declined in summer. Root powder gave highest extractive value (37.3%) in methanol and showed the presence of various groups of secondary metabolites qualitatively while, quantitatively flavonoids (0.18 mg/g) was detected in highest amount. The above parameters, being reported for the first time and are significant toward establishing the microscopic and pharmacognostic standards for future identification and authentication of genuine herbal drug. Root micromorphology can be used as an additional tool to aid description and to distinguish many complex taxa and that is of significant value for the taxonomic assessment of this genera and species.
Keywords: Rhus succedanea; extractive values; fluorescence analysis; microscopic study; phytochemical screening; proximate analysis; root.
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