• Dr. Arun Kumar Ravi
• Dr. Harish C R
• Dr. Ashvini Varun

Background: Plant medicines have been in use since time immemorial and have proved reliable and effective in treating and preventing diseases affecting man and other animals. India, due to its unique variety of geographical and climatic factors, has had a rich and a rich and varied flora of medicinal plants since the Vedic period. Any part of the plant may contain active components like bark, leaves, flowers, roots, fruits, seeds, etc. The genus, Ficus, consists of over 800 species and is one of about 40 genera of the mulberry family, Moraceae. Many Ficus species consist of numerous varieties, significant genetic diversity, and outstanding pharmacological activities and these are of remarkable commercial importance. Aims: The study was aimed to evaluate the pharmacognostical study of six ficus barks and the microscopical study including its histochemical evaluation along with a comparative pharmacognostical study of six ficus barks. Material and Methods: All samples were collected from natural habitats, and all samples were identified, and authenticated by subject experts of the Pharmacognosy Laboratory, of the institute. Result: The evaluation of all six barks both raw and powered samples was done by their various characteristics like colour, texture, odour, taste etc., and also were done complete macro and microscopic studies along with their histochemical tests. Fracture of the outer two-thirds of the bark breaks with a clean short fracture exposing a rosy-coloured granular tissue; the inner portion which is fibrous does not easily break. The bark has an astringent taste. On exposure, the entire cut surface turns a uniform dull rose brown and ultimately becomes light brown. A transverse section of young bark consists of cork tissues, sclereids are present at the periphery of the cortex, and stone cells are mostly oblong to rectangular, spherical, or polygonal and have thick, pitted walls shows the following details of the structure. In medullary rays, cells contain starch grains; some have pitted walls while others are thin-walled. Wood fibers, wood parenchyma, and medullary rays. Histochemical tests of stem Barks results provided the preliminary phytoconstituents i.e. tannins, lignin, calcium oxalate, and starch. Conclusion: All the Plant bark belongs to the family Moraceae based on their morphological characteristics. All six drug plants were tree species, on stem cutting gives milky latex which confirms the family's dominant character. Macro and micro-morphological features of stem bark described distinguish it from other family members of the genera and species. Transverse section of stems bark and its powder microscopy shows rhomboidal and prismatic calcium oxalate crystals, starch grains, latex content, and tannin-containing cells multiserriate medullary rays annular, pericyclic fibers, stone cells, and sclereids were unique to the Bark and were required for its standardization.

Ayurveda, Ficus benghelensi L., F. religiosa L., F. recemosa L, F. hispida L.f., F. carica L, F. infectoria Roxb.

"A DETAILED COMPARATIVE PHARMACOGNOSTICAL STUDY OF SIX IMPORTANT FICUS BARKS (FAMILY – MORACEAE)", International Journal of Emerging Technologies and Innovative Research (www.jetir.org), ISSN:2349-5162, Vol.11, Issue 12, page no.i98-i139, December-2024, Available :http://www.jetir.org/papers/JETIRTHE2169.pdf

"A DETAILED COMPARATIVE PHARMACOGNOSTICAL STUDY OF SIX IMPORTANT FICUS BARKS (FAMILY – MORACEAE)", International Journal of Emerging Technologies and Innovative Research (www.jetir.org | UGC and issn Approved), ISSN:2349-5162, Vol.11, Issue 12, page no. ppi98-i139, December-2024, Available at : http://www.jetir.org/papers/JETIRTHE2169.pdf