Volume :
2
Issue :
4
Abstract :
The study claims importance in the context of some confusion and controversies relating to the authenticity and botanical diagnosis of original Agarwood/Akil, a highly valued wood in trade for its incense and medicinal properties. Due to severe scarcity and extreme endemism of the Agarwood or Aquilaria malaccensis Lam. (A. agallocha Roxb.) the traders have assorted to many trade wood samples which simulate the original Agarwood, to supply to the consumers. A perusal of literature revealed that a little fragmentary information on various perspectives of wood did not help to resolve scientific validation of the drug. The preliminary phytochemical details which are essential components in studying the microscopic identification are lacking for Agarwood and its adulterants. The present study aims at in depth pharmacognostical analysis of the Agarwood. The histochemical studies were carried out for sample tissues. The fluorescence analysis for the powder and treatment of powder with various solvents under UV was also done. The sample was subjected to qualitative phytochemical screening and physico - chemical evaluation. The results were very specific for the Agarwood which will contribute in identifying the drug from its adulterants, thus helpful for its further phytochemical and pharmacological investigations.