THE BRITISH UNIVERSITY IN EGYPT

Phramacongnosy
Final Revision
- Islam Hamdi Mansoor

This file includes the following

- All uses of drugs
- All active constituent
- All Side effects , contraindications
- All Chemical tests
-All Notes
What is this ?
- this simplification of lectures not just a
summery – No cut out for any information -
- Organized tables to facilitate info.
and to be well memorized .
- This file includes
Lecture 2 , 5 , 6 , 8 , 9 , 10
- Introduction lectures ( 1 , 4 , 7 ) are not
included in this file .
- Origin OR ALL keys elements are not included in
this file so don’t forget to check it .
- Although i revised this file several times to
make sure no mistakes occur , but This is a
MAN-MADE PRODUCT, so if you see any
mistakes alteration or objection
contact Islam.
- Making this file doesn’t mean that I will get the
full mark .we are in the same boat
- we only need your DO3A2 no more.:)
- GOOD LUCK <3
 Uses of Fruits

-spasmolytic & carminative.

- Clears the lungs - anethole and fenchone have
secretolytic & secretomotor action in respiratory
- mild expectorant.
- sedative action.
(In children calming herbs).
- promotes the functions of liver, spleen and
Fennel fruit kidneys
- medicinally:
purgatives to allay gripping (flatulence and spasms
of GIT due to purgative drugs).
In diet:
control formulae.
(suppress hunger sensation).
Carminative and Spasmolytic relieving colic in
children.
Expectorant Productive cough, secretolytic and
secretomotor
effects as fennel
- It has a sedative action.
Anise Fruit (In children calming herbs).
- Antiseptic and decongestant for respiratory
tract: as it has double action by relieve congestion
of mucus membranes of lungs and kills germs.
- Oil is also employed in food and drink industry
as flavoring agents.
Conium fruit analgesic and antispasmodic.
treat epilepsy, tremors and
(Hemlock ) antidote to strychnine poisoning. (Coniine alkaloid
suppress)
transmission of CNS impulses to muscles
“paralyser”)
Antiseptic,carminative,
It is used in cough medicine and cough drops due
to cineole and terpeniol which increase liquid
secretions from mucous membranes.
Star-Anise Secretolytic effect only
Phytomedicine:
- Star-Anise: Makatussin® cough drops or
Lozenges
- Isolation of shikimic acid from star anise which
is used in the synthesis of oseltamivir phosphate
(Tamiflu)® Treatment of lethal influenza
type A & B.”
*Spasmolytic action:
- used for the removal of
Ammi small bladder and kidney stones by relaxing the
muscles of the ureter.
visnaga - Relaxes the coronary arteries, helps to improve
the blood supply to the heart muscle so eases
angina. (Pyranocoumarines as visnadin, samidin)
..bronchial asthma &whooping cough
 - Pigmentation of skin:
Furanocoumarines and
Imperatorin Due to bitter principles:
(Ammoidin,ammidin & Bergapten).
- Stimulates pigment
production in skin exposed to UV light.
Ammi majus - used externally, in the form of lotions for
treatment of vitiligo
(leukodermia)
alopecia & psoriasis.
- For short term use in
acute constipation.
(stimulant laxative)
- Bowel clearance before Xray examinations and
Senna Pods before and after abdominal surgery.
- Hydroxyanthracene glycosides are not absorbed
in the upper gut but are converted by the
microflora of the large intestine into active
aglycones which exert their laxative effect on the
colon.
 Internally:
Given in dyspepsia and flatulence.
Externally:
counter irritant activity (G.R): As capsaicinoids
stimulate pain-and heat receptors of the skin
through a heat stimulus blood flow is increased
(hyperemia).
Capsicum - For the relief of rheumatism and
musculoskeletal pain.
-For thumb sucking or nail biting in children.
The whole grain is the source of flour for world’s
bread making and also a source of alcoholic
Wheat grain beverages and beer.
Production of wheat germ oil and wheat bran.

Treatment of liver diseases (acute & chronic hepatitis).

Anti-inflammatory effects of silymarin help to keep liver
cells from swelling in
Milk Protects liver from toxins
as alcohols, carbon tetrachloride .
Thistle Silibinin (Silybin) which is the major active constituent
Fruit of silymarin causes structural changes in the outer
membrane of hepatocytes, thus blocking of toxins
binding sites.
-Treatment of fatty liver & liver cirrhosis.
Stimulation of hepatocytic regeneration and inhibition of
formation of inactive fibrous tissue (liver cirrhosis).
Silymarin powerful antioxidant.
Antioxidants prevent damage of body cells caused by a
chemical process called oxidation.
(free radical scavenging).demonstrated anti-cancer.
 Active Constituent of Fruit

Essential oil containing:

Trans-anethole ,
Fenchone, Estragol
(methyl chavicol)
Fennel -Fixed oil.
-Flavonoids:
fruit -Protein and minerals (high Ca and K ) ,sugars &
vitamins
Essential oil:
Trans- anethole: responsible for the taste and the
Anise smell.
Estargole (Methyl chavicol): smells like anise but
Fruit doesn’t
taste sweet.
- Fixed oil,protein and coumarins.

Conium contains coniine alkaloid

fruit It isa poisonous liquid. Volative oil .

(Hemlock )

Star- Contains 5% volatile oil with trans anethole as the

major constituent
Anise (cineole and terpeniol).
 - Furanochromones
Khellin ,visnagin, khellol.
Ammi -Pyranocoumarins (Visnagans) Visnadin and Samidin.
- Traces of Furanocoumarines.
visnaga - Flavonoids, essential oil, Fixed oil and protein
- Furanocoumarin bitter
principle: Psoralene&ammoidin
Ammi -Imperatorin
bitter principles
majus - Ammidin
- Bergapten
- Fixed oil and protein
Pungent principles named Capsaicinoids.
Capsaicin The pungency of capsicum is not destroyed
by alkalie Capsaicin but destroyed by oxidation with
potassium dichromate or permenganate.
Capsicum Dissepiment >>> capsaicin
- Fixed oils.
- Carotenoid pigments.
- Fats , proteins

Senna Anthraquinone glycosides: (Dianthrones)

Pods – (Sennosoide A, B, C & D). – Flavonoids. – Mucilage.

Milk -Flavolignans known as Silymarin.

Thistle -Silymarin (Silybin, Silichristin and silidianin).
-Fixed oil, protein and sterols.
fruit
 - Starch & fibers
- Proteins as essential amino acids (argenine,
histidine, isoleucine, leucine, lysine, methionine, and
phenylalanine.)
Wheat - Vitamins: A, B1, B2 and E - Enzymes (Maltase,
phytase)
grain - Fat (wheat germ oil
1.8-2.5%).
- The embryo=germ and represents 3% of
the grain weight
- Minerals (Mg, Mn, Zn, Fe and Cu )

Contraindication , Side effects and

Toxicity OF Fruits
CONTRAINDICATION ! :
high doses is a uterine stimulant therefore
contraindicated in
pregnancy. =foenugreek Seed
Fennel fruit Side effects:
Cause allergic reactions affecting skin and
respiratory system
Toxicity:
characterized by: muscular weakness, weak pulse
Conium fruit and paralysis of respiratory muscles.
Causes congenital defects
(Hemlock ) (teratogenic effect).

Ammi CONTRAINDICATION ! : A.visnaga

contraindicated in Pregnancy. (due to Khellin)
Visnaga
 Side effects:
Ammi majus Ammi majus cause photodermatitis in sensitive
individuals.

Contra indications
& side effects :
Externally: Application on injured skin, allergies
to capsicum.
Capsicum Internally: cause burning in the mouth , throat
and running nose.
People with ulcers , gastritis should not use any
capsicum containing product cautiously as it may
worsen their condition

Side effects
Cramp-like of the GIT.
Chronic use or abuse: Cause Weakness of bowel
muscles.
Senna Pods Disturbance of electrolyte balance.
Potassium deficiency can lead to muscular
weakness and disorders of heart function
especially with concurrent use of cardiac
glycosides.
 Chemical Tests of Fruits

Chemically: can be detected by rubbing the

fruits with a
Conium fruit solution of caustic alkali it develops a strong
mice-like odor due to poisonus alkaloid

Ammi Test for khellin :

rose red color ove KOH pellets +ve result while
visnaga –ve with Ammi majus

Ammi majus gives a blue fluorescence in

UV light (due to
furanocoumarin content) While –ve with Ammi
Visnaga

Senna Pods Modified Borntrager’s test

rose-red color is produced in the aqueous layer
 All Notes of Fruits

Fennel - Its Cremocarp is cylindrical attached to slender pedicel

- Its Mericarp is crowned with stylopod.
fruit - marked with 5 primary ridges, commissural side
-2 dark brownish areas over the vittae. With
anatropous ovule
- Its Cremocarp, partly separated into its
mericarps.it is pear-shaped
Anise - Externally, rough due to the presence of numerous
hairs on each mericarp with 5 primary ridges.
Fruit - Commissural surface flat, with two large vittae.
- Internally: mericarp shows numerous branched
vittae in the dorsal side.

Morphology
ovate lanceolate , Violet tinge
and Separated into mericarps
Histology:
T.S. is Pentagon
Epidermal cells:
Ammi Not Papillosed with smooth cuticle.
visnaga Mesocarp:
Vittae showing radiating cells
(Fan like shape)
Crescent V.B. and V.B. surrounded by a
large empty vittae (lacuna)
Innermost layer of mesocarp:porous cells
 OR “ Hemlock “ can be distinguished from Anise
fruit by :
Morphologically:
endocarp develops the coniine fruit
, its smaller size,
No aromatic odor and taste.
having crenate ridges (beaded-appearance), often
separated into mericarps.
Histologically: Absence of vitae and hairs;
endosperm shows a deep groove on its commissural
surface (campylospermous), while anise fruit of

Conium orthospermous
Chemically: can be detected by rubbing the fruits
with a solution of caustic alkali it develops a strong

fruit mice-like odor due to

poisonus alkaloid
 Morphology
Longer and narrower
Mainly cremocarps.
Histology:
T.S. is irregular Pentagon
Epidermal cells:
Papillosed and striated cuticle
Ammi Mesocarp:
Crown shaped V.B.: no lacuna
Majus Vittae showing radiating cells
(Fan like shape)
Innermost layer of mesocarp:(IML)
Non-porous layer of IML

Berry, oblong conical fruit.

Pericarp:Thin, glabrous orange/red shiny surface –
Capsicum Internally divided by membranous dissepiments
carrying seeds in 2 locules “Sternutatory &
intensely” are pungent in taste especially in
dissepiments

Senna Morphology: Legume compressed laterally. Seeds

resemble those of Family Leguminosea,
Pods ex.mucilaginous endosperm, palisade like epidermis,
bearer cells of hypodermis. (= Foenugreek).
 It is (pericarp + seed coat + aleurone layer +
little adhering endosperm).
contains celluloses, starch, protein , vitamins (A,
B1&B2)
→ insoluble dietary fiber and a material that is
resistant to digestion in the GIT of humans

Uses:

Wheat forms a bulky mass and increases peristalsis in

small & large intestine and speeds the transit time

bran of the GIT.

has the ability to hold water and so increase
viscosity of food .
irritable bowel syndrome. (IBS).
In prophylaxis and treatment of chronic
constipation.
In hemorrhoids, and anal fissures.
Obesity and appetite suppressant + ⇊ glucose
absorption, so
weight control program.

derived from wheat germ (embryo). Wheat germ

oil is an excellent source of Fatty acids & vitamin
E.
Constituents:
wheat Vitamin E: α-Tocopherol.
Fatty acids: Polyunsaturated fatty acids: Linoleic
germ oil acid;Omega-6 , Linolenic acid; Omega-3, oleic
acid and Saturated F.A: palmitic acid.
 Role of Vitamin E:
Anti-oxidant: Preserves integrity of all cells especially
short life span cells e.g. Red, white blood cells and blood
platelets.
treatment of anemia and enhance immunity.
Stops oxidative interaction of LDL so become more easy to
form plaques on arterial walls and to prohibit
atherosclerosis
Role of It enhances vitamin A utilization.
(vit. A important for vision, immune system)
Vitamin E Precursor for genital hormones So it can be used in case
of impotence and infertility & threatened abortion.
and PUFA Role of PUFA :
Prevention of arteriosclerosis: by increasing the
pathway of cholesterol to (HDL)
and decrease the LDL thus they decrease the
level of cholesterol in blood.
Precursor of prostaglandin:
Anti-inflammatory effect:
peptic and leg ulcers + burns
 Uses of Subterranian
Expectorant with secretolytic and secretomotoric
actions for coughs and bronchial catarrhs
(glycyrrhizic acid, Isoliquiritigenin,Liquiritigenin)

Liquorice Antiphlogistic and spasmolytic. against ulcers

(glycyrrhizic acid and glycyrrhitinic acid) influence on
root steroid metabolism by inhibiting 5 beta reduction of
steroids, prolong the half life of Cortisol.
3) Sweetening (50 times > sucrose) & flavoring agent.

Rhubarb - Laxative (in small dose) In large dose purgation

- Astringent effect due to tannins.
root - Bitter stomachic.
-Anticancer.
Antitussive, for dry irritable coughs, but not
expectorant.
macerate is also used as an enema in treatment
of Proctitis
Marshmallw ( inflammation of rectum and anus).
Uses: Irritation of oral and pharyngeal mucosa (sore
root throat) with dry cough.
antitussive and mucilage abilities allow it to decrease
irritation of the throat and coat the throat to ease
discomfort. This is exactly the reason that
marshmallow extract is added to many cough syrups
and throat lozenges.

Gentian
A strong bitter: as an appetite stimulant and also as
tonic. Gentian reflexively promotes gastric juice and

root
saliva production through stimulation of gustatory
receptors in the taste buds.
 enhance the body's resistance to external stresses
and improve physical and mental performance.
• Acting on the central nervous, cardiovascular, and
endocrine systems, it promotes immune function and
increases metabolism.
• Ginseng has had beneficial effects on women
suffering postmenopausal

Ginseng
improvements in virility among men.
• Peptidoglycans have hypoglycemic action
• Polyacetylenes – antiphlogistic.
benefits of ginseng tea include a reduced risk of
developing cancer, relief from menstrual problems,
reduction in obesity, improvement of digestive
disorders, and a boosted immune system, as well as
improving signs of mental distress, asthma and
arthritis

Valerian dried root and extracts used in the treatment of

anxiety, restlessness and sleeping disorders. All
root components are contributing to the efficacy of the
whole extract which differs from that of the single
Constituents.

Rauwolfia Rserpine used as powerful antihypertensive. - In

insomnia and psycatric disorders
- Expectorant and in large dose emetic.
- Anti amoebic dysentry
Ipecacuanha - Antitumor and antiviral

Curcuma or
-Colouring agent, carminative and stimulant.
Turmeric -Antiinflammatory, antioxidant and antihepatotoxic
 Spice, bitter stomachic, tonic, cholagogue, dyspepsia.
Anti-emetic: galanolactone
Gingerols: inhibit prostaglandin and leukotriene
biosynthesis and have antiphlogistic action.
gingerols and shogaols have shown molluscicidal and
antischistosomal activity (bilharziosis)
Ginger Expectorant.
- Powerful anti-emetic.
-Antiinflammatory and in rheumatic pain.
- Carminative & flavouring agent
- Improve circulation and antihypertensive
- Reduce high cholesterol level in blood
- Cough mixtures
-Antioxidant
 Active Constituent of Subterranien

Triterpene saponins:
glycyrrhizin which is a mixture of potassium and calcium
salts of glycyrrhizic acid.
(50 fold sweeter than glucose)
Liquorice Hydrolysis of Glycyrrhizic acid: glycyrrhitinic acid and
diglucuronic acid
root Flavonoids: Liquiritigenin Isoliquiritigenin
Coumarins : Licopyranocoumarins
Acidic polysaccharide Glycyrrhiza
Anthraquinones derivatives
- Free (aglycone) e.g. emodin, aloe-emodin,
Rhubarb root chrysophanol and rhein
- The glycoside derivatives of the above compounds e.g.
glucoaloe-emodin and chrysophanein
- Sennosides glycosides A, B, C
and D
5- 10% mucilage (polysaccharides) Starch
Marshmallow Small amount of sulfated flavonoids
root
Secoiridoid bitter principle (gentiopicrin and
amarogentin )
Yellow pigments (xanthone)
Carbohydrates (pectins) gel forming substances which
Gentian root are responsible for the considerable swelling of the drug
upon moisting.

2-3% Triterpene saponins (ginsenosides)

Small amount of polyacetylens
Ginseng Peptidoglycans
Polysaccharides.
Essential oil.
Starch.
 Essential oil: Monoterpenes (valeranone and crypto
fauronol.)
Valerian root Sesquiterpenic acids: valerenic and acetoxyvalerenic
acids.
-Valepotriates (valeriana-epoxy-triester, bicyclic
monoterpenes)
-Valeriana alkaloids
- Lignans.
alkaloids (Reserpine and ajmaline)
Rauwolfia
1.5- 3% Essential oil mainly sesquiterpene zingiberene.
Ginger Non-volatile constituents known as pungent compounds
= (gingerols and shogaols)
Diterpene (galanolactone)
Volatile oils:
turmerone, zingiberene
Curcuma or Curcumin:
(a yellow polyphenol)
Turmeric Resin, starch and sugar

Isoquinoline alkaloids e.g. emetine, cephaeline and

psychotrine.
Ipecacuanha - A crystalline saponin- like glycoside
- An amorphous, bitter glycoside, which is a
modification of tannin, and is known as Ipecacuanhic
acid - Pectin, starch, sugar, calcium oxalate, and a
disagreeable smelling volatile oil.
 Side effects , contraindication and toxicity

Side effects
sodium and water retention, potassium loss and high
Licorice root blood pressure.
Contraindications: Liver disorders, Hypokalemia and
Kidney failure.
Interaction with other drugs: thiazide and diuretics
Contra indications:
Gentian Gastric and duodenal ulcer
root Side effects:
In predisposed individuals, headaches may occur.
Interaction with other drugs: None known
 Notes of Subterrienian

Resorption: Glycyrrhizinic acid (prodrug) is

hydrolyzed to glycyrrhetinic acid (aglycone) by
Liquorice bacteria of the intestinal flora where it is fully
absorbed by the gastrointestinal tract.
root Chemical test is Froth test forming Persistent
froth due to saponins
In pith region anomalous or abnormal structure
called star spots; the cambium produce 2ry
phloem towards the center and xylem externally
to form amphivasal concentric, abnormal vascular
bundles traversed by wavy medullary rays.
(the xylem surrounding the phloem)
Why Rheum rhaponticum not used? Because it
Rhubarb contains toxic rhaponticin glycoside
How can you detect Rheum rhaponticum ?
Root has no star spots and detected in powder
rhubarb by U. V. giving blue spots
Test for anthraquinone glycosides: Bornträger's
test a rose red colour in ammonical layer.

Powder rhubarb gives yellow needle-shaped ,

add KOH reddish colour.
Microsublimation test for free anthraquinones
Dr Stuart's Throat Relief 20 bags
Throat relief. This tea has herbs like cinnamon,
Marshmallow marshmallow root and myrtle leaves to help coat
the throat Marshmallow root (17%), liquorice
root root, cinnamon (18%), sage, cloves.
 are longitudinally grooved
Gentiopicroside
Bitters are a solution to better liver function and
improved digestion.
Gallexier is an alcohol-free aperitif that can be
Gentian root taken before or after meals, consisting of
artichoke, dandelion and Gentian root that
combine to give support to the stomach and
liver/gall bladder systems.
• It helps to prevent indigestion and to relieve
the unpleasant sensation of fullness and bloating
experienced after heavy or fatty meals

Ginger root consists of the fusiform or cylindrical, whole or

cut, dried roots with longitudinal rides
consists of rhizomes, roots and stolons
Odor: Reminiscent of isovaleric acid.
Valerian Pharmacological actions:
Valerenic acid: Inhibition of enzyme induced
root breakdown of GABA.
(Valerenic acid) are believed to have some
affinity for the GABAA receptors on which
benzodiazepine and barbiturate are known to act.
Is the fresh or dried rhizomes of Zingiber
officinale . F. Zingiberaceae.
To avoid insect attack ginger undergo: Limed
ginger (with calcium carbonate)
Ginger The pungency is destroyed by boiling with KOH
solution
The drug consists of the whole or cut, flattened
and branched pieces of rhizome with the cork
removed.
 Uses of Herbs
Local action:
Antipruritic, mild local anesthetic
and antiseptic
Systemic action:
Peppermint Herb Carminative and Gastric sedative
Flavouring agent:
- Candies and gum
- Mouthwashes
Used for Bronchitis and upper
respiratory tract infection.
Oil is used as carminative and
antispasmodic.
Thyme Herb Flavouring agents:
-Moutwashes
-Toothpaste
Antifungal for skin infection

Cerebral stimulant as it produce

mental excitement
Delirium with Hallucination
followed by sleep interrupted by
Cannabis Herb bad dreams causing mental
depression
Antianxiety and Sedative in
Mania and hysteria
Analgesic and THC is anti emetic
used in cancer patients
 Active Constituent of Herb

-Volatile oil:
menthol,menthyl
Peppermint acetate menthone &
mentyl isovalerinate.
Herb
-Tannins
-Volatile oil:
Thyme Herb
Thymol,Carvacrol
Linalool and Broneol.
- Resin materials:
tetrahydro cannabinol
and cannabinoids
- THC:
Cannabis
Cannabinol & cannabinal
Herb -Nitrogen bases :
choline, trigonelline

Volatile oil , oxidase enzyme

Sterols
 Chemical Tests

Oil with a mixture of

glacial acetic acid and nitric
Peppermint Herb acid gives blue colour change
to golden yellow.
-Powder + HCl produces
eff. due to Calcium carbonate
in cystolith.
-Beam’s test:
Cannabis shaked
Cannabis Herb with light petrol
and alc. KOH and
amyl alcohol give
violet pink colour .
-Fast blue test:
 Notes

Peppermint Herb has Multicellular, unicellular stalk ,

uniseriate non glandular trichomes,
glandular labiaceous hairs ,multicellular head,capitate
hair.
Smooth spherical pollen grains
Epidermal cells with diacytic stomata
Powdered Mentha :
Labiaceous hair + non glandular hair
Powdered Thyme :
Labiaceous hair + non glandular bent hair

Cannabis Herb
cultivated in tropical ..countries for resin production.. In temperate
region it produces .. less or no resin but more fibers.
a Glandular trichomes showing globular multicellular
head of 8-16 radiating club-shaped cells and
multicellular pluriseriate stalk.
leaf tissue with cluster crystal of Ca Ox.
Curved hairs with or without cystolith of CaCO
Glandular trichomes with labiaceous glandular head
and short unicellular stalk.
Papillosed stigma.
Laticiferous vessels and pericyclic fibers.
Cannabis keys elements
 Lecture 2

Uses OF SEEDS
Internally :
-Treatment of hypercholesterolaemia
(reduction of very low density
lipoprotein .

-hypertension

-angina and thrombosis as they reduce

the blood viscosity due to Essential
saturated Fatty acids

- Omega-3 fatty acids have anti-

inflammatory. So it’s used in
rheumatoid arthritis.

- preventive value against cancer (Flax

Linseed
Lignans)

- Treatment of constipation due to

( Flax Seed ) mucilage content.

Externally :
- used in poultices for boils and
carbuncles.

- used in paints .. when the oil is boiled

with (PbO) it forms metallic salts which
enhances in drying of the oil.

- if in Seed form :

its Oil used in Paint, varnish & ink

its cake used in Cattle feed

- If in Stem Form :
- its fibers Used in Clothes
- its straw used in Papers
 -Topically anti-inflammatory for
wounds and leg ulcers due to
saponins.
Internally :
Antidiabetic: seeds improve metabolic
symptoms associated with type- 1 and
type-2 diabetes by reducing serum
glucose and improving glucose
tolerance (it produces changes in
gastric emptying and in the GIT
transition time, which can delay
absorption of sugars in the small
Foenugreek seed intestines due to mucilage).
- Hypocholestrolemic : saponins
increase the excretion of bile acids
with depletion of cholesterol stores in
liver .
- Lactagogue: aqueous extract
stimulate the milk production & uterine
contractions.
- Laxative effect: due to the high
mucilage content.
- Diosgenin: synthesis of steroid drugs
such as cortisone and sex hormones.

Externally :
- Rubefacient: redness of skin due to
vasodilatation
- Counter- irritant : surface irritation of
the skin to counteract the underlying
Black mustard musculoskeletal pain. - Footbath:
treatment of Chilblain
Internally:
-Infusion: Oil aids in the reduction risk
of cancers of alimentary tract. (GIT
tract).
White Mustard The same but it is less irritant to eye &
skin
-Mechanical laxative (bulk laxative) so
used in treatment of chronic
Psyllium seed constipation (stimulant laxative) in
pregnant women and old age Due to
(Flea seed) mucilage content
-Anal fissures , haemorrhoids &
irritable bowel .
 Active Constituents Of Seeds

- 30 - 40% fixed oil : rich in unsaturated

essential fatty acids ( oleic acid ,
linoleic acid (ω-6) LA and
Linseed α-linolenic acid (ω-3) ALA.)
- Acidic mucilage: upon H+ yields
( Flax Seed ) sugars and acid sugars - sugar as
rhamnose & sugar acid as
galactouronic acid -
- Proteins.
- Small amount of a cyanogenic
glycoside linamarin.

- Mucilage (galactomanan): on
hydrolysis yields mannose and
galactose which is NEUTRAL
MUCILAGE
- Alkaloids (pyridine-type) trigonelline
Foenugreek seed and choline.
- Proteins & fixed oil.
- Steroid saponins: sapogenin &
diosgenin

-Mucilage, Fixed oil & Proteins .

-Glucosinolates (Sulpher & Nitrogen
glycoside). It is a defense mechanism
for plants responsible for pungency.
Black mustard - sinigrin glycoside: (Thioglycosides)
with Myrosinase enzyme H2O turns
into Allyl isothiocyanate and Allyl
isothiocyanate is responsible for the
powerful pungent taste and odor
obtained by moistening the powdered
seeds.
 - Mucilage, Fixed oil & Proteins .
-Glucosinolates (Sulpher & Nitrogen
glycoside). It is a defense mechanism
for plants responsible for pungency.
White Mustard -Sinalbin glycoside with Myrosinase
enzyme H2O turns into Acrinyl
isothiocyanate (weak pungent taste &
odor)
Psyllium seed (Flea seed) - Mucilage (10 %)
- P. ovata (Ispaghula 20-30 %)
Fixed oil and protein.
 Key Elements Of Seeds

Pigment layer
Linseed Mat-like structure
Endosperm & embryo
( Flax Seed ) Collenchyma
Sclerenchyma
Nutritive layer
Thick cuticle
Testa :
Foenugreek seed Palisade-like epidermal cells
Basket-like cells (Hypodermis)
Nutritive layer & Aleurone
Kernel :
Mucilagenous endosperm Embryo

Network-like structure
Black & White
Mustard
Psyllium ----------

Chemical Tests of Seed

+ve sudan III (fixed oil)

Linseed +ve Ruthenium red due to Acidic mucilage

+ve picric acid (protein)

( Flax Seed ) Linamarin test (Cyanogenic glycosides)

(Guignard’s paper test) Positive produce
Yellow colour on Na picrate paper
+ve with Sudan III: Fixed oil.
Foenugreek seed +ve with methylene blue due to neutral
mucilage
Fixed oil: +ve Sudan III
Proteins: +ve picric acid
Mucilage: +ve ruthenium red
Black & White Test for purity :
Macerate 2 gm with 20 ml H2O for 15 min
Mustard and filter and add to the filtrate a few dps
of Hg (No3)2 and warm
NO Red color produce Black Mustard
Red color produce White Mustard
Contraindication , Side Effects , Precaution & Toxicity

Side Effects
There is no risk from cyanogenic
glycosides even in long term use . Give
reason
Because linamarase enzyme of linseed is
partly inactivated under the acidity of the
stomach and less than 1% of the
cyanogenic glycoside is hydrolysed
Linseed andThe majority of HCN liberated is
converted rapidly into the non toxic
( Flax Seed ) thiocynate(SCN) by detoxification
mechanism in the body.

Precaution
Only the ripe seeds should be used as
immature seeds can cause poisoning as
they contain traces of prussic acid (HCN)
Contraindications
Foenugreek seeds have potential to
exaggerate the effect of administered
Foenugreek seed hypoglycemic drugs
As Foenugreek showed oxytocic and
uterine stimulant activity so using
foenugreek during pregnancy and
lactation is not recommended
Contraindications
hypersensitive skin and peptic ulcer as
Mustard oil is contraindicated when there
is severe circulatory damage and with
varicose veins

Black Mustard Toxicity

Prolonged action may result in
vesication : formation of vesicles with
exudates due to irritant effect of allyl to
mucus membrane
 Contraindications
Abnormal narrowing of the GIT due to
intestinal occlusion

PRECAUTIONS
General : It should be taken with adequate
volumes of fluid to enhance swelling
power. It should never be taken orally as
dried powder, because of the possibility of
bowel obstruction.

Psyllium Drug interactions

Bulking agents have been reported to
decrease the absorption
of some minerals (Ca, Mg, Cu, and Zn),
vitamin B12 and cardiac
glycosides.

• Individual monitoring of the plasma

levels of the drug in
patients taking psyllium products is
also recommended.
 Notes

Linseed has Straight embryo .. Dicot & whitish endosperm .. Anatropous ovule
(raphe) .. Albuminous (endospermic) seed. Typical aleurone grain ( one
crystalloid and one globoid ) ..
Essential fatty acids (EFAs) : (omega-3 or n−3) (omega-6, n−6) Fatty acids which
cannot be produced by the human body so essential to be taken in diet.
The high α-linolenic acid (C18:3) content of linseed makes the oil an excellent
drying oil used in paints, inks, varnishes, wood treatments ..
atherosclerosis is Deposition of low density lipoproteins on walls of arteries.
This results a narrowing of arteries which leads to atherosclerosis which
increase blood pressure and cardiovascular diseases .

Foeungreek Seed has Albuminous seed .. Accumbent embryo .. Testa has one
integument

Black & white mustard has EXALBUMINOUS SEED .. ORTHOPLOCUS EMBRYO ..

CAMPYLOTROPOUS OVULE ..NO RAPHE

Psyllium has Epidermis of the dorsal side mucilage .. Epidermis of the ventral
side devoid of mucilage.
dorsal side ( Showing Embryo)
Psyllium husk used in laxative preparations.

The most important criterion of quality is the swelling factor which must be at
least 9. The good quality drugs related with higher values 11-14.