Microscopic Evaluation of Leaf of Balanites Aegyptiaca (L.) Delile: A Review Article

Abstract

Introduction: Leaves of Balanites aegyptiaca (L.) Delile are commonly used for  diabetes. Literature survey revealed that not much work has been done on this plant,  especially on leaves. So detailed microscopical study was done for its identification.  Methods: Transverse section and powder microscopy was carried out on leaves of Balanitesaegyptiaca (L.) Delile. Result: Microscopical study showed dorsiventaral midrib and smooth, even and thick  lamina. The lamina was isolateral and 350 µm thick. The marginal part of the lamina was bluntly conical measuring 200 µm thick. Calcium oxalate crystals were abundant  in the mesophyll tissue. The crystals were druses and rosette types. The veins formed well defined vein-islets of polygonal outline. The vein terminations were well  developed and thick, short and straight. At the end of the vein termination occurred a cluster of squarish, thick walled wide sclereids. The leaf was amphistomatic, However,  the stomata on the abaxial side were more in frequency than on the adaxial side. The  abaxial epidermal cells were small, polygonal and fairly thick walled. The anticlinal  walls were straight. The trichomes were unicellular, unbranched and thick walled. Crystal bodies were wide spread in the powder. The crystals were exclusively druses,  which were spherical bodies comprising many pointed triangular small crystal units.  Analysis and Discussion: The present research provided useful information in regard  to its correct identity, evaluation and helped to differentiate from the closely related  other species of Balanites aegyptiaca (L.) Delile. Hence, it furnished the data for future  standardization of the drug.