LAB MANUAL

INDEX
S.NO. I. II. III. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14. 15. Syllabus Instructional plan List of experiments To study the macroscopic characters of Senna. To study the macroscopic characters of Aloe. To study the macroscopic characters of Liquorice. To study the transverse section of Liquorice. To study the powder microscopy of Liquorice. To study the macroscopic characters of Rhubarb. To study the transverse section of Rhubarb. To study the powder microscopy of Rhubarb. To study the powder microscopy of Senna. To study the macroscopic characters of sarsaparilla root To study the macroscopic characters of digitalis To study the macroscopic characters of thevetia To study the macroscopic characters of Indian Squill To study the macroscopic characters of strophanthus To Standardize the herbal formulation Contents Page No.

Experiment No. 1 Aim: To study the macroscopic characters of Senna. References- 1.Kokate C.K., Purohit A.P., Gokhle S. B., Pharmacognosy, Edition 41, Reprint 2008, Nirali Parkashan, Page no. 174-181 2. Shah N. B., Nayak B. S., Experimental Pharmacognosy, First Edition April,2008, S. Vikas Page no. 169-170 Requirements: drug, watch glass etc Procedure: Observation: Synonym: Senna leaf, Cassia senna Biological Source: It consists of dried leaflets of Cassia angustifolia belonging to family Leguminosae. Macroscopic Characters: Colour-Yellowish-green Odour-Slight Taste- Mucilagenous, bitter and Characteristic. Size- 7-8mm in width and 25-60mm in length. Shape-Leaves are lanceolate, entire, apex is acute with spine at the top.

Chemical Constituents: Senna contains mainly two anthraquinone glycosides i.e.Sennoside A and Sennoside B. These two are stereo isomers of each other. It also contains phytosterol, mucilage, resin, salicylic acid and calcium oxalate. It also contains two naphthalene glycosides. Chemical Tests:

Borntragers test: Drug is taken and is diluted with dil. sulphuric acid and boiled for sometime. Filter the solution and to the filtrate, add chloroform. Shake the solution and thus chloroform layer is separated. A pink or red colour is obtained on addition of ammonia to the chloroform layer. Pharmaceutical Uses: 1. It is useful as Purgative, in habitual constipation. 2. It also acts as a Carminative and causes therapeutic action. 3. It also shows gripping action due to presence of aloe-emodin. Experiment No. 2 Aim: To study macroscopic character of aloe References- 1.Kokate C.K., Purohit A.P., Gokhle S. B., Pharmacognosy, Edition 41, Reprint 2008, Nirali Parkashan, Page no.181-186 Requirements: Drug Synonyms: aloes, musabbar, kumari. Biological source: Aloe is the dried juice of the leaves of Aloe barbadensis miller,known as curacao aloes or of Aloe perryi baker, known as socotrine aloes; or of Aloe ferox miller and hybrids of this species Aloe africana miller and Aloe spicata baker , known as cape aloes, belonging to family Liliaceae VARIETIES OF ALOE: BARBADAS (CURACAB) ALOES: It is the dried juice of the leaves of Aloe barbadensis belonging to fanily Liliaceae MORPHOLOGICAL CHARACTERS: Colour: brownish black Odour: strong Taste: bitter Cape Aloes: It is obtained from Aloe ferox belonging to family Liliaceae

MORPHOLOGICAL CHARACTERS Colour:brown Odour:distinct odour Taste:sour and bitter Scortine Aloe: It is obtained from Aloe perryi belonging to family Liliaceae MORPHOLOGICAL CHARACTERS Colour: brownish yellow Taste: bitter Odour: unpleasant Zanzibar aloe: the origin of variety is not correctly known MORPHOLOGICAL CHARACTERS Colour: liver brown Taste: bitter Odour: characterstic MORPHOLOGICAL CHARACTERS OF THE LEAF: Colour: greenish yellow Odour: strong, characterstic Taste: bitter MORPHOLOGICAL CHARACTER OF JUICE Colour: brownish black Odour: strong Taste: bitter

CHEMICAL CONSTITUENTS: principle active constituent of aloe is aloin which is a mixture of glucosides which barbalion is the chief constituent. The drug also contain aloetic acid, cholin, cholin salicylate, saponin, coniferyl alcohol etc CHEMICAL TEST: 1gram of aloe powder is boiled with 10ml water and filtered with help of kieselguhr. The filterate The test gives a pale yellow product of tetrabromalin. 1. Bromine test: - freshly prepared bromine solution is added to a small quantity of above filterate . The test gives pale yellow product of tetrabromaline. 2. Schoentetens reaction [ borax test ]: - little quantity of above filtrate is treated with borax and shaken well till the borax dissolves. When few drops of this solution are added to a test tube nearly filled with water ,a green flouroscence appears USES: Aloe is used as a purgative. Its effect is mainly on colon. It has a strong purgative action in the series of all crude drugs with anthracene glycosidal content to counter effect the griping action, it is given with carminatives. It is believed that only fresh gel probably has a role in treatment of burns and wounds. It is also used in pain and itching and also to slow down ulceration.it is also used in skin cosmetics. Aloe is used externally for painful inflamation Experiment No. 3 Aim: To study the morphological characteristics of Liquorice. References- 1.Kokate C.K., Purohit A.P., Gokhle S. B., Pharmacognosy, Edition 41, Reprint 2008, Nirali Parkashan, Page no. 212-216 2. Shah N. B., Nayak B. S., Experimental Pharmacognosy, First Edition April,2008, S. Vikas Page no. 145-146 Requirements: drug, watch glass Synonyms: Glycyhrriza, liquorice root, mulehi.

Biological source: Liquorice consists of dried, peeled or unpeeled roots and stolon of Glycyrrhiza glabra belong to family Leguminosae. Varieties of Glycyrrhiza glabra1. Glycyrrhiza glabra var. typica (Spanish liquorice) -This plant has purplish blue colour papilionaceous flower. It gives out large number of stolons. 2. Glycyrrhiza glabra var. glandulifera (Russian liquorice) It has a big root stock along with a number of elongated roots but does not bear stolons . 3. Glycyrrhiza glabra var. violacea (Persian liquorice) This plant shows violet colour flower. Macroscopic charactersColour Unpeeled yellowish brown or dark brown externally & yellowish internally while peeled liquorice is pale yellow in colour. Odour - Faint & characterstics. Taste Sweet Size Length 20cm to 50cm & 2cm in diameter. Shape Cylindrical pieces which are straight may peeled or unpeeled. Peeled liquorice is angular.

Chemical constituents The chief constituent of liquorice is a triterpenoid saponin known as glycyrrhizin , which is a potassium & calcium salt of glycyrrhizic acid . Glycyrrhizinic acid is a glycoside & on hydrolysis yields glycyrrhetinic acid, which has triterpenoid structure.

Another important chemical aspect of liquorice is presence of flavanoids, liquiritin & isoliquiritin. The Indian liquorice roots have shown the presence of 2- methyl isoflavoins & coumarin via liquor- coumarin. The other main constituents are carbenoxolone. Chemical test On addition of 80% sulfuric acid, the thick section of drug or powder shows deep yellow colour. Uses Liquorice has been as an expectorant & demulcent. It is used in cough mixtures, & as a flavouring agent in formulations with nauseous drug. Due to flavonoids content with anti gastric effect, it is used in peptic ulcer in the form of deglycyrrhized liquorice. It is used in treatment of peptic ulcer, for healing purposes. This drug is also an antispasmodic. It is used in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, inflammation & Addisons disease. Heavy dose may cause hypertension, water retention & electrolyte balance. It is used as flavouring agent in tobacco. It is used as fire extinguisher.

Experiment No. 4

Aim: To study the Transverse section of Liquorice. Reference- Shah N. B., Nayak B. S., Experimental Pharmacognosy, First Edition April,2008, S. Vikas Page no. 145-146 Requirements: drug, microscope, glass slide etc Synonyms: Glycyhrriza, liquorice root, mulehi. Biological source: Liquorice consists of dried, peeled or unpeeled roots and stolon of Glycyrrhiza glabra belong to family Leguminosae Transverse section of liquorice under microscope: Periderm Cork 10-20 or more layers of tabular cells. Outer layer contain reddish brown amorphous matter & the inner layers shows thick walled colourless cells. Phellogen - Indistinct Phellederm 1-3layers of radially arranged parenchymatous cells containing prism of calcium oxalate & few starch grains. Secondary Phleom Phloem fibres Thickened walls, cellulosic in the inner part, lignified in the outer part, concentrically arranged bundles of 10-50 fibres. Each bundles is surrounded by parenchymatous sheath containing calcium oxalate crystals. Phloem parenchyma- Thin walled cells with starch grains & calcium oxalate. Medullary rays- Distinct, bi & multiseriate, parenchymatous cells, narrow in the xylem region & wider in the phloem region calcium oxalate crystals & starch grains are present in few cells. Cambium Thin walled cells, three or more layered. Secondary Xylem Vessels 80 to 200 micron diameter with thick, yellow pitted or reticulate, thickened wall lignified.

Xylem fibres- Lignified, enshesthed by a layer of parenchyma containing calcium oxalate crystals. Xylem parenchyma- Contain starch & calcium oxalate crystals. Medullary ray- parenchymatous & multiseriate cells contain starch grains & calcium oxalate crystals. Pith Parenchymatous cells with intracellular spaces. Pith is absent in root, cells contain starch grains & calcium oxalate crystals.

Experiment No. 5 Aim: To study the powder microscopy of Liquorice. Reference- Shah N. B., Nayak B. S., Experimental Pharmacognosy, First Edition April,2008, S. Vikas Page no. 145-147 Requirements: drug, microscope, glass slide, phloroglucinol, glycerine etc Synonyms: Glycyhrriza, liquorice root, mulehi. Biological source: Liquorice consists of dried, peeled or unpeeled roots and stolon of Glycyrrhiza glabra belong to family Leguminosae Powder microscopy of Liquorice Fibres Lignified, thickened, yellow walls in bundles of about 10-50, with crystal sheath of parenchymatous cells each containing single prism of calcium oxalate. Xylem Vessels Large with numerous bordered pits. Surface is lignified. Calcium oxalate crystals Individually prism shapped, 10-15 to 25-35micron long. Present in parenchymatous cell & many scattered in the powder. Strach grains Most are simple, oval or rounded, about 2-4 to10-24micron long showing no striations. Cork Abundant fragments of orange- brown cork composed of thin walled polygonal cells.

Experiment No. 6 Aim: To study the macroscopic characters of Rhubarb. References- 1.Kokate C.K., Purohit A.P., Gokhle S. B., Pharmacognosy, Edition 41, Reprint 2008, Nirali Parkashan, Page no. 186-189 2. Shah N. B., Nayak B. S., Experimental Pharmacognosy, First Edition April,2008, S. Vikas Page no. 163-165 Requirments: Given sample drug. Synonym: Radix rhei, Rheum, Revandchini Biological source: Rhubarb consists of the dried rhizome of Rheum emodi Wall, Rheum palmatum Linn, belongs to family Polygonaceae. Macroscopic characters: The coming to market is called as either Flat or Round. Round pieces are prepared from small rhizomes which are cut only transversely and hence they are barrel shaped, cylindrical or conical 8-10cm length & 4cm thick. Flat pieces are prepared from large rhizomes which are cut longitudinally & hence they are Plano convex & tapering at both ends. Flats are 7-10cm in length & 3-6cm in thickness towards middle portion. Both types of pieces have a sharp odor & bitter, astringent taste.

The surface is covered with a yellow powder smooth and pale brown to red in colour. The pieces also show holes through which they are threaded. The drug breaks with an irregular granular fracture but the drugs with a pink fracture is regarded as a high quality product. Chemical constituents: Rhubarb contains anthraquinone glycoside and antrigent principles. The anthraquinone glycoside range from 2 to 4.6% and are categorised into four groups: 1. Anthraquinones with a carboxyl group like rhein and glucorhein. 2. Anthraquinones without a carboxyl group like aleo-emodin, emodin and also their glycosidal forms. 3. Anthrones and dianthrones of aloe-emodin, emodin, chrysophanol and physcion. 4. Heterodianthrone like palmidin A, palmidin B & palmidin C. The astrigent past mainly consists part of gallic acid as glucogallin, along with tannin, catechin and epicatechin. The drug also contains rheinolic acid, pectin, starch, fat and calcium oxalate. Use: Rhubarb is used as bitter stomachic in the treatment of diarroeha and as a purgative.

Experiment No. 7 Aim: To study the Transverse section of Rhubarb. References- 1.Kokate C.K., Purohit A.P., Gokhle S. B., Pharmacognosy, Edition 41, Reprint 2008, Nirali Parkashan, Page no. 186-189 2. Shah N. B., Nayak B. S., Experimental Pharmacognosy, First Edition April,2008, S. Vikas Page no. 163-165 3. Kokate C.K., Practical Pharmacognosy, Edition 11th, Vallabh Parkashan, Page no. 78-79 Requirements: Sample drug, Blade, Cover slip, Glass slide and microscope. Biological Source: Rhubarb consists of the dried rhizome of Rheum emodi, Rheum palmatum Linn. belong to family Polygonaceae. Microscopic characters:

1. Cambium a fairly continuous line between xylem and phloem. 2. Phloem outside of the Cambium. 3. Radiates secondary xylem inside the cambium. 4. Vessels, reticulate cellulose thickening give no reaction for lignin. 5. Reddish orange modularly rays. 6. Large pith in the centre. 7. Star spots at the periphery of the pith and scattered all throughout the pith. 8. The star spots formed because of formation of concentric bundle in pith, consisting of phloem towards the centre and xylem on external side. 9. Abundant starch in the parenchyma. 10. Sclerenchymatous fibres and cork are absent. 11. Cluster, crystals of calcium oxalate in parenchyma 20- 500 micrometer in diameter.

Experiment no. 8 Aim: To study the Powder microscopy of Rhubarb. References- 1.Kokate C.K., Purohit A.P., Gokhle S. B., Pharmacognosy, Edition 41, Reprint 2008, Nirali Parkashan, Page no. 186-189 2. Shah N. B., Nayak B. S., Experimental Pharmacognosy, First Edition April,2008, S. Vikas Page no. 163-165 3. Kokate C.K., Practical Pharmacognosy, Edition 11th, Vallabh Parkashan, Page no. 78-79 Requirements: Sample drug, Cover slip, Glass slide, phloroglucinol and microscope.

Biological Source: Rhubarb consists of the dried rhizome of Rheum emodi, Rheum palmatum Linn. belong to family Polygonaceae. Microscopic characters: 1. The powder is yellowish brown in colour with aromatic odour and bitter and astringent taste. 2. Microscopical examination shows abundant starch grains, compound or simple, spherical. 3. Abundant clusters of calcium oxalate crystals are found scattered and in some parenchymatous cells. 4. Cork cells, nearly rectangular, thick walled, abundant parenchyma, thin walled cells, elongated filled with starch grains and abundant vessels with reticulate thickening are found scattered.

Experiment No. 9 Aim: To study the powder microscopy of Senna. References- 1.Kokate C.K., Purohit A.P., Gokhle S. B., Pharmacognosy, Edition 41, Reprint 2008, Nirali Parkashan, Page no. 174-181 2. Shah N. B., Nayak B. S., Experimental Pharmacognosy, First Edition April,2008, S. Vikas Page no. 169-170

Requirements: drug, watch glass etc Procedure: Observation: Synonym: Senna leaf, Cassia senna Biological Source: It consists of dried leaflets of Cassia angustifolia belonging to family Leguminoseae. Powder Microscopy of Senna: 1. Epidermis with paracytic stomata. 2. Calcium oxalate prisms. 3. Trichomes. 4. Palisade and spongy cells. 5. Xylem vessels with annular thickening. 6. Crystal sheath.

Experiment No. 10 Aim : To study the macroscopic characters of sarsaparilla root.

References- 1.Kokate C.K., Purohit A.P., Gokhle S. B., Pharmacognosy, Edition 41, Reprint 2008, Nirali Parkashan, Page no. 174-181 Biological Source: It consists of dried root and sometimes rhizomes of Smilax aristalachiaefolia or Smilax regelii belongs to the family Smilaceae. Macroscopic Characters: Colour- Greyish red or yellowish brown. Odour Odourless. Taste- Sweetish and acrid. Size- 65 to 75 mm long and 2 to 5.5 mm diameter. Chemical Constituents: Much chemical work has been done on sarsaparilla without proper botanical identification of the material. Different species contains one or more steroidal saponins. Two isomeric genins are known- Smilagenin and Sarsapogenin. These differ only in their configuration at c-25 and correspond to the reduced form of diosgenin and yamogenin respectively. Sarsaparilloside contains in some species bidesmosidic saponin. USES: Sarsaparilla formly employed a high reputation in the treatment of syphilis,rheumatism and certain skin diseases. It is included in BHP where it is indicated in the treatment of psoriasis and eczema for rheumatoid arthritis. It action would appear to arise from the steroid content of the root . It is the widely used as vehicle and large qty are employed in the manufacturing of non-alcoholic drinks. The genins are used in practical synthesis of corticoids and steroids.

Experiment No. 11 Aim: To study the macroscopic characters of digitalis. References- 1.Kokate C.K., Purohit A.P., Gokhle S. B., Pharmacognosy, Edition 41, Reprint 2008, Nirali Parkashan, Page no. 194-200 2. Shah N. B., Nayak B. S., Experimental Pharmacognosy, First Edition April,2008, S. Vikas Page no. 112-115 3. Kokate C.K., Practical Pharmacognosy, Edition 11th, Vallabh Parkashan, Page no. 42-44 Requirements: Leaves of digitalis. Synonyms of the drug: Digitalis leaves, Foxglove leaves. Biological Source: Digitalis consists of dried leaves of Digitalis purpurea, family Scrophulariaceae. Macroscopic characters: Colour: Dark greyish-green Odour: Slight Taste: Bitter Size: 10 to 40 cm long and 4 to 20 cm wide Shape: Ovate-lanceolate to broadly ovate; with irregularly crenate or serrate or occasionally dentate margin. Extra features: The leaves are slightly pubescent on both the surfaces with pinnate venation and prominent veinlets on the under surface. Generally, the leaves are broken and crumpled. Microscopic characters: Digitalis is a dorsiventral leaf. It has anomocytic stomata on both surfaces and water pores at the apex of most of the marginal teeth. The trichomes are uniseriate, multicellular and blunty pointed. There are

also glandular trichomes with unicellular stalk and unicellular or bicellular head. Digitalis is free of calcium oxalate and sclerenchyma. There is collenchyma at three different places i.e. at upper epidermis, lower dermis, and pericyclic part, which is also characteristic to digitalis. Chemical constituents: Digitalis contains 0.2 to 0.45% mixture of both primary and secondary cardiac glycosides(cardenolides). Purpurea glycosides A and B and glucogitaloxin are primary glycosides possessing at C-3 of the aglycon, a linear chain of 3 digitoxose moieties terminated by glucose. Digitalis also contains several other glycosides such as odoroside H, gitaloxin, verodoxin,and glucoverodoxin. The primary glycosides are less absorbed and less stable than secondary glycosides such as digitoxin, gitixin, and gitaloxin. Additionally, it contains 2 saponin glycosides, viz digitonin and gitonin. The total number of glycosides reported in the drug is about 30. Apart from the glycosides, leaves also contain hydrolytic enzymes. Uses: Digitalis glycosides have played significant role in medical science for more than 200 years. The most frequent use of digitalis is in the treatment of congestive heart failure. Digitalis blocks the sodiumpotassium APT-ase pump of the cardiac muscle so that intrcellular concentration of sodium is increased. This leads to increase in calcium ions, released from sarcolemma and thereby, brushing action of proteins viz. actin and myosin is enhanced. This is exhibited as more forceful contractions of myocardium, greater output per beat and complete emptying of heart. Due to this, the delayed circulation in congestive heart failure is improved and the oedema is flushed out. Digitalis shortens the length of systole, thereby giving more time to rest between contractions. Another major use of digitalis is slowing down ventricular rate in atrial fibrillation, atrial flutter, premature extra systole. Allied drugs:

1.

Digitalis lanata:

Synonyms: Woolly fox glove leaves, austrial digitalis. Biological Source: These are the dried leaves of Digitalis lanata Ehrhart, belonging to family Scrophulariaceae . Macroscopic characters: The leaves are oblong, lanceolate, sessile with entire margin. It is about 21 cm in width. The plant is a biennial herb about 1 m in height. Chemical constituents: It contain 5 primary glycosides and in all about 70 cardiac glycosides. The primary glycosides are identified as lanatosides A,B,C,D and E. It should be noted that glycone digitoxose and not aglycone, is acetylated. It is used as the source for manufacture of digoxin, lanatoside C and other cardiac glycosides. The aglycones viz. digoxigenin and diginatigenin are specific to Digitalis lanata. Uses: It is used as commercial source for digoxin, lanatoside C, lanatoside A and a mixture of lanatosides. Lanatoside C and digoxin have the same actions as that ofdigitalis. Lanatoside C is poorly absorbed from gastrointestinal tract and it is less cumulative. Digoxin, by oral route, shows effect in about 1 hour and maximum effect is reached within 6 hours. Digoxin is used for rapid digitalization in the treatment of auricular fibrillation and congestive heart failure. It is preferred because of less cumulative effects. 2. Digitalis lutea:

Synonym: Straw foxglove. Biological source:These are the dried leaves of Digitalis lutea, family Scrophulariaceae. Macroscopic characters: Shape: Leaves are sessile, oblong or lanceolate with serrate or dentate margin. Size: Leaves are 28*6 cm

Uses: It is used for the same purpose but, is supposed to have less irritation. The chemical constituents of the drug are not thoroughly known, but it is free of calcium oxalate. It is used as a common substitute for official drug. 3. Digitalis thapsi:

Synonym: Spanish foxglove. Biological Source: These are the dried leaves of Digitalis thapsi, family Scrophulariaceae. Macroscopic characters: Colour: Yellowish-green. Size: leaves are 5 to 10*1.5 to 5 cm. Experiment No. 12 Aim: To study the macroscopic character of Thevetia. References- 1.Kokate C.K., Purohit A.P., Gokhle S. B., Pharmacognosy, Edition 41, Reprint 2008, Nirali Parkashan, Page no. 201-203 Requirements: drug, watch glass etc Procedure: Observation: Synonyms: Trumplet-flower, lucky-nut tree Biological source: These are the dried seeds of Thevetia peruviana Merrill syn. Thevetia neriifolia belonging to family Apocynaceae. Macroscopic Characters: Taste: Seeds are very bitter, when chewed produce numbness

Colour: Seeds are green to greenish black Odour: None Shape: Oblong, hard

Chemical Consitutents: Thevetia kernels are very rich in cardio-active glycosides, which are found to be triosides i.e. the aglycone of these glycosides is a combination of three sugars units. Theventin is the

major and active constituent of Thevetia which is a mixture of two triosides i.e. Thevetin A and cerederoside(Thevetin B). The monosides separated from thevetia seeds are cerberin, neriifolin, peruvoside, theveneriin and peruvosidic acid. Peruvoside shows a quick action with well absorption and tolerance. It has very less accumulative tendency and can be given orally. The details of glycosides, aglyconens and sugars of Thevetia are as under: Glycoside Cereberoside (Thevetin B) Thevetin A Cannogenin Aglycone Digitoxingenin Sugars L-Thevetose + 2 mol. Dglucose L-Thevetose + 2 mol. Dglucose Peruvoside Nariifolin Thevenerin Cannogenol Digitoxigenin Cannogenol L-Thevetose L-Thevetose L-Thevetose

Uses: Entire thevetia plant is very poisonous and the seeds are most poisonous. Tincture is cathartic emetic and febriuge seeds are used as abortifacient and purgative in rheumatism and dropsy. Peruvoside is used in the treatment of mild cardiac insufficiency and weak heart. This drug shows relatively high degree of therapeutic index compared to digoxin.

Experiment No. 13 Aim: To study macroscopic character of Indian squill References- 1.Kokate C.K., Purohit A.P., Gokhle S. B., Pharmacognosy, Edition 41, Reprint 2008, Nirali Parkashan, Page no. 203-204 2. Shah N. B., Nayak B. S., Experimental Pharmacognosy, First Edition April,2008, S. Vikas Page no. 172-173 3. Kokate C.K., Practical Pharmacognosy, Edition 11th, Vallabh Parkashan, Page no. 84-85 Requirements: Drug Procedure:

Observation: Synonyms - Jangli pyaj, Sea onion, Scilla. Biological Source: Urginea consists of dried slices of the bulbs of Urginea indica Kunth, family Liliaceae. The European squill is obtained from the bulbs of Urginea maritime (Linn) Baker. Macroscopic Characters: Colour Odour Taste Size Shape - The slices of squill bulbs are slightly yellowish to white - Slight and characteristic. - Bitter, mucilaginous and acrid. - 30 to 60 mm in length and 3 to 8 mm broad. - The slices of the Indian squill are united in groups of 4 to 8, which are curved.

Extra Features: The entire bulb of the Indian squill is about 15 cm in diameter. The slices of squill are translucent and become tough and flexible after absorbing the moisture. Chemical Constituents: Indian squill contains about 0.3% of cardiac glycosides. It yields to alcohol about 20 to 40% of extractive. The other contents of the drug are mucilage (about 40%) and calcium oxalate. Scillaren A and Scillaren B are the major cardiac glycosides of the drug. Scillaren A on hydrolysis (by an enzyme) scillarenase yield proscillaridin A and on acid hydrolysis scillaridin A, whereas Scillaren B yields proscillaridin B and scillaridin B respectively. The drug also contains glucoscillaren A and enzyme scillarenase. Chemical Test: Mesophyll stains red with alkaline colarin solution and reddish purple with 0.1 M iodine solution. Uses: It is cardiotonic, stimulant and also an expectorant. It is diuretic in small doses. In large doses, it is emetic and cathartic. It resembles digitalis in its cardiotonic activities, but is less cumulative and acts rapidly. It is not a perfect substitute for digitalis, as it is associated with irritant effect and is poorly

absorbed. It is used as a powerful expectorant in chronic bronchitis and asthma. It is also found to possess anti-cancer activity against human epidermoid carcinoma of the nasopharynx in tissue culture.

Experiment No. 14 Aim: To study macroscopic characters of strophanthus

References- 1.Kokate C.K., Purohit A.P., Gokhle S. B., Pharmacognosy, Edition 41, Reprint 2008, Nirali Parkashan, Page no. 206-207 2. Kokate C.K., Practical Pharmacognosy, Edition 11th, Vallabh Parkashan, Page no. 62-63 Requirements: drug Procedure: Observation: Synonyms - Semino Strophanthi Biological Source: These are the dried ripe seeds of Strophanthus kombe Olive or of Strophanthus hispidus De Candolle, belonging to family Apocynaceae. Macroscopic Characters: The seeds are obtained from fruits with 2 follicles. The awns of the seeds are separated. The seeds are 10-20 mm in length, 3-5 mm in width and 2 mm in thickness. The shape is lanceolate and awn is thread like extension of testa. The silky touch of the seeds is due to trichomes. The endosperm and embryo are quite oily in nature. When treated with 80% of sulphuric acid, the endosperms shows deep emerald green colour. The seeds have bitter taste and unpleasant odour.

STROPHANTHIDIN Chemical Constituents: The drug contains a mixture of glycosides called K Strophanthin. It contains KStrophanthoside (strophoside), K Strophanthoside cymarin and cymarol. Except cymarol, all thee 3 glycosides yield strophanthidin on hydrolysis. Kstrophanthoside is considered as main primary

glycoside which on hydrolysis gives aglycone strophanthidin along with 3 sugars cymarose, and glucose. The drug also contains mucilage, resin, trigonelline, choline, and upto 30% of fixed oil. Chemical Test: The glycosides show green colour on addition of sulphuric acid. Use: It is a cardiotonic. The drug is mainly considered as a source of KStrophanthin. These glycoside have less cumulative effect otherwise similar in actions as that of digitalis. It is given parenterally, because of poor absorption b oral route. OUABAIN (G - Strophanthin) It is a cardiac glycoside obtained from the seeds of Strophanthus gratus or from the wood of Acokanthera schimperi or A. ouabain, belonging to family Apocynaceae. It is poisonous substance and is present from 4-8% in seeds. It is two times more potent than K Strophanthin

OUABAGENIN Uses: - It is a cardiac glycoside, given intravenously in acute cardic failure, because of its rapid onset of action. The onset of action occurs within 5-10 minutes and reaches to peak effect in 3 minutes to 2 hours and standard for bioassay of cardic glycosides Other stropanthus species are S. courmontii (1/4th active as S. kombe seeds); S. nicholsoni, S. emini S. sarmentosus containing sarmentogenin.