Pharmacognostic evaluation of root of Celastrus paniculatus Willd

Objective: To evaluate the pharmacognostic characters of an important medicinal plant, Celastrus paniculatus Willd. Methods: The pharmacognostic studies were carried out in terms of organoleptic, microscopic, macroscopic and fluorescence analysis. Results: The characteristic features of root observed were multicellular uniseriate trichomes, Outermost narrow zone of cork and Secondary cortex with polygonal cells containing starch and oil globules. The characteristic microscopic powder study of root powder showed presence of fibers, fiber tracheids, uniseriate and multiseriate trichomes. Starch and oil globules were also observed. Macroscopy of root showed primary and secondary roots with yellow brown, rough inner surface. Conclusion: Various pharmacognostic characters observed in this study help in identification and standardization of C. paniculatus Willd.