Investigation of Machilus macrantha Nees. I*

Abstract

The root of Machilus macrantha Nees has been studied for physical characteristics, histology, extractives, ash, and alkaloidal constituents. Anatomical characteristics include: a continuous band of small stone cells constituting phelloderm; a pericycle consisting of large stone cells; isolated groups of stone cells in the phloem; lignified phloem and xylem fibers with narrow and large lumen, respectively; copious mucilaginous matter in the phloem parenchyma cell walls; and oil cells in cortex, phloem, and xylem. The extractives showed the presence of phytosterols, glycosides, and volatile oil. From the limed drug, extraction and isolation of a base as hydrochloride, provisionally named “machiline hydrochloride,” melting with decomposition between 248–250°, two alkaloids as picrates and one reineckate are described. The yield of machiline hydrochloride was highest (0.0725 per cent) from the root collected in the month of May. Paper chromatography of the extract revealed the presence of at least five alkaloids.