Raktachandana (Pterocarpus santalinus L.) most widely and commonly used
medicinal plant in Ayurvedic therapeutics because of its properties like anti-pyretic, anti-emesis,
wound healing etc. The most valued part is heartwood which contains the essential oil. Tyloses
mechanism in the plant is one of the defensive responses of the plant against pathogens. However
no literature is available regarding the pharmacognostical evaluation with regards to tyloses mechanism
is found till date. A systematic pharamacognostical study of Raktachandana heartwood was carried
out with respect to macroscopy, microscopy. Histo-chemical test, physicochemical, phytochemical
characteristics were carried out along with the, HPTLC finger printing. On T.S. of the heartwood,
vessels are observed in isolated or groups at places studded with tyloses and impregnated with
resinous gummy matter. Histo-chemical test, physico and phytochemical analyses confirmed the
presence of starch, lignin, and various functional groups of flavanoids, steroids etc. A special
emphasis was given with respect to the tyloses formation in the heartwood, different stages of
tyloses formation.
Key words: Raktachandana, Pharmacognostical, Heartwood, Tyloses, Pterocarpus santalinus.
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