Histochemical localization of embelin in fruits of Embellia Ribes Brum and its quantification

Embelia ribes Burm, known as Vidanga in sanskrit is a common drug used in Ayuryeda for its anthelmentic effects. Embelin (3-undecyl-2, 5-dihydroxy-1, 4- benzoquinone) is one of the important bioactive molecule present in the fruits of this plant and is reported to possess antipyretic, analgesic, anti-inflammatory, anthelmentic and antifertility activity. The objective of this work was to carry out histochemical localization of this bioactive molecule and its quantification in different parts of the fruit. Embelin was found to be located as bright orange colored spots on the outer coat of seed beneath a thin membranous film below the pericarp of the fruit. Embelin content of seed, pericarp and entire crushed fruit were determined using HPLC and was found to be 0.39 %w/w, 4.18 %w/w and 3.30 %w/w and 3.34 %w/w respectively.