title: Evaluation for substitution of stem bark with small branches of Myrica esculenta for medicinal use - A comparative phytochemical study.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Over exploitation of many traditional medicinal plants like Myrica esculenta has become a threat and in the near future, many medicinal plants may be unavailable for use of industry.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  Present study outlines the concept of plant part substitution. Stem bark and small branches of M. esculenta are compared on the basis of physicochemical analysis, phytochemical analysis, total phenolic contents, total flavonoid contents and high performance thin layer chromatography (HPTLC) to evaluate the possibilities of using small branches in place of stem bark.
  
  
  METHODS
  Physicochemical parameters and preliminary phytochemical screening were carried out using standard methods. Total phenolic and total flavonoid contents were estimated spectrophotometrically using Folin-Ciocalteu and aluminum chloride method, respectively. CAMAG HPTLC system equipped with semi-automatic applicator was used for HPTLC profiling. n-Hexane, ethyl acetate and ethanol extracts of stem bark and small branches were developed in suitable mobile phase using standard procedures and visualized in UV 254 and 366 nm and in white light after derivatization within anisaldehyde-sulphuric acid reagent.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Phytochemical analysis and HPTLC profile of different extracts showed the presence of almost similar phytochemicals in both stem bark and small branches.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Similarities in phytochemical analysis and HPTLC profile of various extracts suggests that small branches may be used in place of stem bark. The study provides the base for further study to use small branches as a substitute of stem bark of M. esculenta.
authors.affiliation: National Research Institute for Ayurveda Siddha Human Resource Development, Aamkho, Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh, 474009, India. Electronic address: bhavanakan@gmail.com.
authors.forename: Bhavana
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Srivastava
authors.affiliation: National Research Institute for Ayurveda Siddha Human Resource Development, Aamkho, Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh, 474009, India.
authors.forename: Vikas C
authors.initials: VC
authors.lastname: Sharma
authors.affiliation: Central Council for Research in Ayurvedic Sciences, Janakpuri, New Delhi, 110058, India.
authors.forename: Pramila
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Pant
authors.affiliation: National Research Institute for Ayurveda Siddha Human Resource Development, Aamkho, Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh, 474009, India.
authors.forename: N K
authors.initials: NK
authors.lastname: Pandey
authors.affiliation: National Research Institute for Ayurveda Siddha Human Resource Development, Aamkho, Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh, 474009, India.
authors.forename: A D
authors.initials: AD
authors.lastname: Jadhav
keywords: Myrica esculenta; Plant part substitution