Albizia lebbeck (L.) Benth., is popularly known in Brazil as "coração-de-negro". It is a species acclimatized in Brazil. The seeds of this species are used to treat diarrhea, dysentery and hemorrhoids and the leaves are used for the treatment of ulcers and allergic conjunctivitis. The purpose of this work was to determine the macroscopic and microscopic characteristics of the leaves and seeds of this plant, since these are the parts used popularly. Some characters of diagnostical value are pointed out and illustrated by photomicrographs. Phytochemistry reactions and determination of water and ash were done on the powder of A. lebbeck. Saponins, alkaloids, coumarins were detected in the leaves and seeds; flavonoids were also detected in the leaves. The content of water was 6.78% and 7.91%, respectively, for leaf and seed powder. The values of total ashes and acid insoluble ashes were 9.60% and 0.62% for leaf, and 4.13% and 0.21%, for seed powder. The data obtained are important for the quality control of this medicinal plant. The crude extract of this plant did not show antibacterial activity.
Albizzia lebbeck; morphoanatomy; phytochemistry; medicinal plants
