Physicochemical and Phytochemical Investigation of the roots of Grewia Microcos linn.

The present study was undertaken for the development of physicochemical and phytochemical parameters of the roots of Grewia microcos Linn. belonging to the family Tiliaceae. In Hindi it is known as Shiral and Konkani as Chivra or aasale. Physicochemical and phytochemical investigation confirms the purity and authenticity of the roots of  Grewia microcos using standard methods. Physicochemical studies of the crude powder of the roots revealed the moisture content as 7.5%w/w, Swelling Index as 1.3 cm, Foaming Index as 454.44,  Alcohol soluble extractive as 0.244%w/w, Water soluble extractive as 0.232%w/w, Ether soluble extractive 0.04%w/w. Total Ash as 5%w/w, Water soluble ash as 2.15%w/w and Acid Insoluble ash as 2%w/w. Fluorescence analysis is a tool to determine the chemical nature of the crude drug which is reported in short wavelength, Long wavelength and day light. The preliminary phytochemical screening of the ethanolic extract of the roots revealed the presence of alkaloids, carbohydrates, tannins, saponins, triterpenoids and steroids. All these methods will help in laying down the pharmacopoeial standards in determining the quality and purity of the roots of Grewia microcos.