This document provides information on glycosides, including their structure, classification, and examples. It begins by defining a glycoside as an organic compound composed of a sugar portion linked to a non-sugar moiety. It then discusses different types of glycosides based on the atoms involved in the linkage and the sugar moiety. The document provides examples of several classes of glycosides and discusses their therapeutic activity. It includes sections focusing on specific glycosides including cardiac glycosides like digitalis, anthraquinone glycosides found in senna, rhubarb, and cascara, and provides details on the botanical source, active constituents, uses and more for each one.

2. Introduction
A glycoside is an organic compound, usually of plant
origin, that is composed of a sugar portion linked to a
non-sugar moiety.
Sugar portion ……….. Glycone
Non-sugar portion…... Aglycone / Genin
Linkage between sugar and non-sugar is
usually an “oxygen linkage”

3. Types
Based on atoms involved in glycosidic
linkage
O- glycosides
C- glycosides
S- glycosides
N- glycosides

4. Types
According to Sugar moiety
Glucosides
Ribosides
Rhamnosides

5. Classification
)a) Cardioactive glycosides: Digitalis, Strophanthus and
white squill
)b) Anthraquinone glycosides: Cascara, Aloe, Rhubarb,
Cochineal and Senna
)c) Saponin glycosides: Glycyrrhiza, Sarsaparilla
)d) Cyanophore glycosides: Wild cherry
)e) Isothiocyanate glycosides: Black Mustard
)f) Lactone glycosides: Cantharide
)g) Aldehyde glycosides: Vanilla
)h) Miscellaneous glycosides: Gentian, Quassia, Dioscorea

6. Therapeutic activity depends upon;
1.Chemical nature of aglycone
2.Number of sugars

7. Aglycone is steroidal.
Aglycone may be;
Cardenolide (5-membered lactone at place of R(
Bufanolide (6-membered lactone at place of R(

8. Pharmacological Action of Cardiac
Glycosides
•Effectiveness depends on both the
aglycones and the sugar attachments.
•Medicinal action depends on the
aglycone
•But the sugars make the compound
more soluble in increases the fixation
of the glycoside to the heart muscle

9. Pharmacological Action of Cardiac
Glycosides
•The overall action of Digitalis glycosides is complicated
by the number of different effects produced.
•The exact mode of action on the myocardial muscle still
needs investigation.
•It is thought to act in competition with K ions for specific
receptor enzymes )ATPase) sites in the cell membranes
of the heart muscle when there is an influx of Na ions.
•Effect is to increase the force of heart contraction
•Diuretic action relates to the improved circulatory effects.

10. a) Digitalis
Botanical Origin:
Digitalis purpurea
Digitalis lanata
Family:
Plantigenaceae
Part used:
Dried leaves
Collection:
Leaves collected from 2nd
year growth of plant
in June before opening of flower.
Drying is done by applying artificial heat
(temperature not more than 65°C(.

11. Chemistry:
Four aglycons in Digitalis
Digitoxigenin
Gitoxigenin
Gitatoxigenin
Digoxigenin (only in Digitalis lanata(

12. Derivatives D. purpurea D. lanata
Digitoxigenin Digitoxin
Glucodigitoxin
(Digitoxin + 1 glucose(
Acetyl digitoxin
Lanatoside A
(Acetyl digitoxin + 1 glucose(
Gitoxigenin Gitoxin
Glucogitoxin
(Gitoxin + 1 glucose(
Lanatoside B
(Acetyl gitoxin + 1 glucose(
Gitatoxigenin Gitatoxin Lanatoside E
(Acetyl Gitatoxin + 1 glucose(
Digoxigenin Digoxin
Acetyl digoxin
Lanatoside C
(Acetyl digoxin + 1 glucose(
Deslanoside
(Digoxin + 1 glucose(

13. b) Strophanthus
Botanical Origin:
Strophanthus kombe
Strophanthus hispidus
Family:
Apocynaceae
Part used:
Dried ripe seeds
Collection:
Fruits are collected when fully ripen i.e. in
June and July

14. Chemistry:
Active constituent is Strophanthin.
Upon hydrolysis it yields;
Strophanthidin
Sugars (alpha D-glucose + beta D-glucose + beta D-cymarose(
Apart from Strophanthin, there are;
30%fixed oils
Resin / Mucilage
Nitrogenous bases ( Trigonellin, Choline(

15. Uses:
Cardiac stimulant
Diuretic

16. c) White squill
Botanical Origin:
Urginea maritima
Family:
Liliaceae
Part used:
Dried fleshy scales of bulb
Collection:
Bulbs are collected in August. Outer scale
is removed and inner scale is divided
into pieces and dried in sunlight.
Uses:
Emetic
Expectorant
Cardiac tonic
Diuretic

17. Chemistry:
Active constituent is Scillaren.
Upon hydrolysis it yields;
Scillarenin
Sugars (1 molecule of glucose + 1 molecule of rhamnose(

18. 18
Anthraquinone Glycosides
)
Anthraquinone
Anthraquinone derivatives

19. 19
Introduction to Anthraquinones
•Historically: Rhubarb, Senna, Aloes and
Cascara were all used as purgative drugs.
•Monocotyledons: Only Liliaceae.
Most commonly C-glycoside: barbaloin.
•Dicotyledons: Rubiaceae, Leguminosae,
Polygonaceae, Rhamnaceae, Ericaceae,
Euphorbiaceae, Lythraceae, Saxifragaceae,
Scrophulariaceae and Verbenacacea. Also in
certain fungi and lichen.

20. 20
•Reduced derivatives of anthraquinones
–Oxanthrones, anthranols and anthrones
•Compounds formed by the union of 2
anthrone molecules
–Dianthrones
•Aglycones:
–Chrysophanol/Chrysophanic acid 
Rhubarb and Senna.
–Rhein  Rhubarb and Senna
–Aloe-emodin  Rhubarb and Senna
–Emodin  Rhubarb and Cascara

21. 21
Anthraquinones – Chemical Properties
•Anthraquinone derivatives: orange-red compounds
•Soluble in hot water/dilute alcohol.
•Identified via Borntrager’s test
–Powdered drug – macerated with ether
–Filter
–Add ammonia/caustic
–Shake  pink, red or violet colour – positive for
anthraquinone derivatives
–If the Anthraquinones are reduced (within the herb) or
stable (glycosides) test will be negative

22. 22
Anthranonls and Anthrones
•Reduced anthraquinone derivatives.
•Occur either freely )aglycones) or as glycosides.
•Isomers.
•Anthrone: Parent structure )pale yellow, non-
soluble in alkali, non-fluorescent)
•Anthronol: brown-yellow, soluble in alkali,
strongly fluorescent
–Anthronol derivatives )e.g. in Aloe – have similar
properties – fluorescence used for identification)

23. 23
Mechanism of Action:
•The glycosides are absorbed from the
small intestine and re-excreted in the large
intestine where they increase the motility
so produce laxation.
•Aglycones produce griping effect so it is
recommended to prescripe antispasmodic
with them.

24. 24
Mechanism of action
•Molecules have to possess certain features for
activity:
]1[glycosides
]2[carbonyl keto function on centre ring
]3[1,-8-positions have to have –OH
•Potency:
–anthrone > anthraquinone> dianthrone
•Aglycones not therapeutically active in animals ,
lipid soluble absorbed in stomach and never
reach colon to produce a local effect.

25. 25
•Highly active phenolic group irritant to mucosa
•Glycosides very water soluble – reach large
intestine where they are hydrolysed by E.coli
enzymes and become lipid soluble and
absorbed into circulation.
•5-8hours to act
–take night before
–in low doses – drug metabolised by liver and
recirculated via bile to give more effect
–people especially elderly can become reliant on them
needing higher dose to produce an effect
–carcinogenic to melanosis coli

26. Senna - Leguminosae
•Definition: Consists
of the dried leaflets of
Cassia senna
(Alexandrian senna),
or Cassia angustifolia
(Tinnevelly senna).
26

27. Cassia - Senna
•Indigenous to Africa (tropical regions)
•Used since 9th
and 10th
century
•Itroduced into medicine by Arab physicians
(used both the leaves and pods)
•Exported by Alexandria – name of the
Sudanese drug.
27

28. Senna - Collection
•Collected in September
•Whole branches
bearing leaves are
dried in the sun.
•Pods and large stalks
are separated with
sieves.
•Leaves are graded
(whole leaves and half-
leave mix, siftings).
•Whole leaves – sold to
public
28

29. 29
Senna - Constituents
•Senna consist four types of glycosides:
Sennoside A
Sennoside B
Sennoside C
Sennoside D
In their active costituents are sennoside A,
sennosides B
Upon hydrolysis of sennosides it gives two molecules
glucose+aglycones: Sennidin A and Sennidin B.
•Sennoside C & Sennoside D
•Rhein
•Aloe-emodin
•Palmidin A (Rhubarb)

30. 30

31. Senna - Constituents
•Kaempferol (yellow
flavanol)
+glucoside
(kaempferin)
•Mucilage
•Calcium oxalates
•Resin
31

32. Comparison of
Alexandrian and Tinnevelly Senna
•Macroscopical
–Seldom larger than 4
cm in length
–Grey-green
–Asymmetric at base
–Broken and curled at
edges
–Few press markings
•Macroscopical
–Seldom exceeds 5cm
in length
–Yellow-green
–Less asymmetric at
base
–Seldom broken and
normally flat
–Often shows
impressions (mid vein)
32

33. Senna – Allied Drugs & Substitutes
Allied drugs
Bombay, Mecca and
Arabian Sennas (found in
Cassia angustifolia from
Arabia).
•Dog senna – Cassia
obovata
•Cassia auriculata – Indian
Senna
•Cassia podocarpa
•Substitutes or
Adulterants
–Argel leaves –
Solenostemma argel
–Coriario myrtifolia
33

34. Senna Fruit
•Definition: Senna pods are the
dried, ripe fruits of Cassia senna
and Cassia angustifolia, which are
commercially known as Alexandrian
and Tinnevelly senna pods
respectively. Both have separate
monographs
34

35. Senna Fruit - Collection
•Pods are collected with the leaves
and dried in a similar fashion.
•After separation of the leaves, the
pods are hand-picked into various
qualities, the finer being sold
(commercially), while the finer
pieces are used to make
galenicals.
35

36. Senna Fruit - Constituents
•Active constituents are found in
the pericarp.
•Similar to those actives of the
leaves
–Sennoside A
–Sennidin
36

37. Senna – Additional uses
•Medicinal Actions
•Vermifuge, diuretic,
febrifuge
•Other uses: laxative candy
(bitter taste).
–Also used to treat
flatulence, gout, fever.
•Topically: poultice prepared
with vinegar to treat
pimples.
•NOTE: Senna may cause
urine to become reddish –
no clinical significance.
Contra-indications
–Gout, colitis, GI
inflammation.
•Should not be used with cardiac
glycosides.
•Seeds/pods give gentler action
than leaves: more appropriate for
the young, elderly and those
prone to stomach cramps.
•NB: Over-use causes
dependency.
•Overdose: nausea, bloody
diarrhoea, vomiting and nephritis.
•Long-term use: dehydration &
electrolyte depletion, worsening
constipation and weakening
intestinal muscles.
37

38. Cascara Bark- Rhamnaceae
•Definition: Official cascara
sagrada is the dried bark of
Rhamnus purshianus. Bark is
collected from wild trees
(depletion is leading to the
increase of cultivation)
38

39. Rhamnus purhsianus - Cascara
•Etymology
–Rhamnos – Greek, branch, shiny shrub.
Purshiana after Pursh, botanist 1st
described herb in 1814
•Other Common Names
–Bearwood, bitterbark, buckthorn,
coffeeberry, mountain cranberry,
persiana, sacred bark.
39

40. Cascara – Collection & Preparation
•Collected form mid-April to end of August,
when it separates readily from the rest of
the trunk.
•Longitudinal incisions are made 10cm
apart and the bark removed.
•Tree is then usually felled and the branch
bark separated.
•Bark is then dried in the shade with the
cork facing upwards. This is referred to as
‘natural’ cascara. Commercial supplies are
comminuted to give small, even fragments
called ‘evenized’, ‘processed’, or ‘compact’
cascara.40

41. 41
Cascara Bark - Storage
•During preparation and storage the bark
should be protected from rain and damp
(partial extraction of constituents may
occur or bark may become mouldy).
•Should be stored for at least 1 year before
use.
•Bark appears to increase in medicinal
value up unto its 4 years old (stored bark)

42. 42
Cascara Bark – Constituents
•Four main glycosides – Called
Cascarosides
–Cascaroside A
–Cascaroside B
–Cascaroside C
–Cascaroside D

43. 43
Cascara Bark – Constituents
•O-glycosides
•Derived from
–Emodin
–Emodin oxanthrone
–Aloe emodin
–chrysophanol

44. 44
Cascara Bark - Uses
•Purgative
•Similar to Senna
•Normally as a tablet
•Also used on animals

45. Cascara Bark – Additional uses
•Physiological Action
–Astringent (bark – tannins),
bitter tonic, chologogue,
emetic, hepatic, stomachic.
–Medicinal Uses
Move stagnation, clear heat.
The most widely used laxative
world-wide.
Topically: Used as a wash for
herpes lesions
•Excessive use: nausea,
vomiting, heamatorrhoea.
Long term use:
Weakens intestinal
muscles.
•Contra-indications:
children younger than 14,
during pregnancy,
lactation, IBS, Crohn’s,
intestinal obstruction, and
idiopathic abdominal
pain.
45

46. Rhubarb - Polygonaceae
•Definition: Rhubarb/Chinese
Rhubarb is the rhizome ofof
Rheum palmatumRheum palmatum.. OtherOther
speciesspecies and hybrids ofand hybrids of
RheumRheum,, exceptexcept R.R.
rhaponticumrhaponticum, may also be, may also be
includedincluded.
46

47. Chinese Rhubarb - History
•Chinese Rhubarb has a long history.
•Mentioned in a herbal of
2700BC.
•Formed an important article of
commerce on the Chinese
trade routes to Europe.
•Still used medicinally today.
47

48. Chinese Rhubarb – Collection &
Preparation
•Rhizomes are grown at high
altitudes (+3000m).
•Collected in Autumn or spring (6-
10yrs old)
•Cork is removed, cut.
•Artificially dried.
•Packed in tin-lined wooden cases.
•Inferior quality herbs are packed in
hessian bags48

49. Chinese Rhubarb - Constituents
1.Anthraquinones without a carboxyl
group – chrysophanol, emodin, aloe-
emodin & physcion.
Also the glycosides of these
substances.
22..Anthraquinones with a carboxyl groupAnthraquinones with a carboxyl group
(rhein and its glycoside: glucorhein(.
49

50. Chinese Rhubarb - Constituents
3.Anthrones and
dianthrones of
chrysophanol,
emodin, aloe-
emodin or
physcoin
4.Dianthrone
glucosides of
rhein
(Sennosides A
and B(.
5..HetrodianthronesHetrodianthrones
derived from 2derived from 2
different anthronedifferent anthrone
molecules:molecules:
Palmidin A andPalmidin A and
Palmidin BPalmidin B..
50

51. Chinese Rhubarb - Constituents
•Free anthraquinones:
chrysophanol, emodin, aloe-
emodin and rhein.
•Some of the above constituents
may also occur as glycosides.
51

52. Chinese Rhubarb - Uses
•Bitter stomachic
•Diarrhoea (low doses( – contains
tannins
•Purgative (high doses( – followed
by an astringent effect.
•Suitable only for occasional for
occasional use, not for chronic
constipation.
52

53. Rhubarb – Additional Uses
•Etymology
–Rheo – Greek, ‘to flow’, in
reference to the purgative
properties.
•Medicinal Actions
–Anti-helminthic, anti-
bacterial, anti-
inflammatory, antiseptic,
astringent (low doses(,
sialagoge, vulnerary
•Topical Uses:
–Poultice to treat boils,
burns, wounds. Used to
stop bleeding (tannins –
stypic and astringent(.
Used as a mouthwash for
oral ulcers.
•Other uses: Acid content:
fresh root can be used to
polish brass.
•Caution
–Leaves should be avoided
– high calcium oxalate -
toxic53

54. Aloe - Liliaceae
•Definition: Aloes are the solid
residue obtained by evaporating the
liquid which drains from the
transversely cut leaves of various
Aloe species.
The juice is usually concentrated
by boiling and solidifies on cooling.
•Official varieties are the Cape Aloes
from SA and Kenya (Aloe ferox(,
and the Curacao Aloes from West
Indies (Aloe barbadensis(.54

55. 55
Preparation of Cape Aloes
Cape Aloes are prepared from the wild plants of Aloe
ferox.
Leaves are cut transversely near the base.
Two hundred leaves arranged around a shallow hole in
the ground (lined with canvas or goatskin(.
Cut ends overlap & drain into the canvas.
After 6hrs all the juice is collected.
Transferred to a drum.
Boiled for 4hrs on an open fire.
Poured into tins while hot  solidifies.

56. Cape Aloes - Characteristics
•Dark brown or Green-brown
•Glassy masses
•Thin fragments have a deep olive colour
Semi-transparent.
56

57. Cape Aloes - Characteristics
•Powder: green-yellow
•When rubbed two pieces of drug together – powder
is found on the surfaces.
•Characteristic sour odour (rhubarb/apple-tart odour(.
•Taste: nauseous and bitter.
•Microscopy: powder in lactophenol – amorphous.
57

58. Characteristics of Curacao Aloes
•Colour: yellow-brown – chocolate brown.
•Poor qualities (overheated( black colour.
•Opaque
•Breaks with a waxy facture
•Semi-transparent
•More opaque on keeping.
•Nauseous and bitter taste.
•Characteristic iodoform odour.
•Microscopy: lactophenol – acicular crystals
58

59. Aloes - Constituents
•C-glycosides
•Resins
•Glycosides
–Aloin
•Barbaloin
•Isobarbaloin
•Aloe-emodin
Cape Aloes: Also Contain
Aloinoside A & Aloinoside B (O-glycosides
of barbaloin(
59

60. 60
Aloe - Constituents

61. Aloe Constituents & Chemical Test
Unlike C-glycosides, O-glycosides of Aloe
are not hydrolysed by heating with dilute
acids or alkali.
•Can be decomposed with ferric chloride &chloride &
dilute HCl -dilute HCl - NBNB:: Modified Borntrager’s TestModified Borntrager’s Test
– oxidative hydrolysis. Anthraquinones give– oxidative hydrolysis. Anthraquinones give
aa redred colour when shaken with dilutecolour when shaken with dilute
ammoniaammonia..
•NB:NB: All Aloes give a strongAll Aloes give a strong greengreen
fluorescencefluorescence with borax (characteristic ofwith borax (characteristic of
anthranols( - General test for aloesanthranols( - General test for aloes.
61

62. Aloe - Uses
•Purgative
•Seldom prescribed alone – activity is
increased when administered with small
quantities of soap or alkaline salts;
Carminatives moderate griping
tendency.
•Ingredient in Friar’s Balsam.
62

63. Aloe – Additional uses
•Medicinal Uses:
–Anti-bacterial, anti-fungal,
chologoge, emmenogogue,
anti-inflammatory (juice(,
anti-inflammatory ,
demulcent, vulnerary,
immune-stimulating (gel(.
Radiation burns (internal and
external use(
•Contra-indications
Pregnancy & lactation
(internal uses(
•Etymology
–Name derives from Arabic
alu, meaning shiny or bitter
in reference to the gel.
•Other uses
–Khoi-San hunters rub gel
on their bodies to reduce
sweating and mask their
scent.
–Used to break nail-biting
habit.
63

64. Aloe vera Products
•These are derived from the mucilage gel –
parenchyma cells
•Should not be confused with aloes (juice
of pericycle – juice used for laxative
effect(.
•Cosmetic industry (usefulness often
exaggerated( - Used as suntan lotions,
tonics and food additives.
•Mucilage = polysaccharide of
glucomannans and pectin
64

65. Cochineal
•Definition: Cochineal is the
dried female insect,
Dactylopius coccus,
containing eggs and larvae.
•Insects are indigenous to
Central America, commercial
supplies are derived from
Peru.
65

66. Cochineal
•Eggs are protected during the rainy season are ‘sown’
on cacti – on which it is intended to breed.
•Both male and females arise. After a time, fecundation
occurs. Females attach themselves to the cacti and the
males die out.
•Females swell to x2 their original size due to developing
larvae & develop red colouring matter.
66

67. 67
Cochineal
–Larvae mature after 14days and escape from the now
dead body of the parent.
–Only a small portion develop into males.
–For next 2 weeks, males fly and young females crawl
on the plant.
–Life cycle = 6 weeks.
–3-5generations may be produced in 1 season

68. 68
Cochineal - Collection
•Insects are brushed from plants with small
brooms and killed (some left to provide for
subsequent crops(.
•First crop killed contains the most colouring
matter.
•Insects are killed by plunging them in boiling
water, stove heat or exposure to fumes by
burning sulphur or charcoal.
•If heat is used – insects change to purple –
black – called ‘black grain’.
•Fume killed – turn purple-grey called ‘silver
grain’.
•Small immature insects and larvae which can be
separated by sieves are sold as ‘granilla’ or
siftings.

69. Cochineal - Characteristics
Oval in shape
Half cm in length
Examined microscopically after removing the
colouring matter (ammonia solution(.
Each insect contains 60 to 450 eggs and
larvae.
69

70. 70
Cochineal - Constituents
•C-glycoside example anthraquinone
derivative is bright purple, water-soluble
colouring matter
•Carminic acid
•Fat
•Wax
•Adulteration: occurs by increasing the
weight of the insects by ‘dressing’ it with
inorganic matter in a colour which blends
in with that of the insect.
•Detected when insects are placed in water

71. 71
Chemical test
Borntrager’s and Modified Borntrager’s test:
•For Aglycones:
•Extract plant material with organic solvent.
•Shake with NH4OH OR KOH.
•For O-Glycosides:
•Boil plant material with dil. HCl for 10 min, filter and shake with
organic solvent (Ether or Benzene(.
•Separate the organic solvent.
•Shake with NH4OH OR KOH.
•For C-Glycosides:
•Boil plant material with dil. HCl/FeCl3, filter and shake with
organic solvent (Ether or Benzene(.
•Separate the organic solvent.
•Shake with NH4OH OR KOH.
•Positive result indicated by Rose Red colour in the aqueous alkaline
layer.

72. Saponin Glycosides
Parts of plants containing saponins are used as detergents.
For example;
Root of Saponaria officinalis
Types:
Aglycone may be of two types;
Steroidal
Tri terpenoidal

73. a) Glycyrrhiza
Botanical origin:
Glycyrrhiza glabra
Family:
leguinosae
Part used:
Dried rhizome and root
Collection:
Root and rhizome is excised from 3-4 years old plant i.e. which have not
yet grown fruit. It is done to ensure maximum sweetness. These are
dried in shade for 3-4 months.

74. Chemistry:
Glycyrrhiza contains Glycyrrhizic acid.
Upon hydrolysis, it produces;
Glycyrrhizic acid
2molecules of glucuronic acid
In addition to this, it contains;
Flavonoid glycosides
Mannitol
Glucose
20%starch
Uses:
Flavoring agent in Pharmaceutical preparation.
Demulcent and expectorant.
Treatment of peptic ulcer.
Treatment of Rheumatoid arthritis and Inflammatory conditions
Sweetener
Treatment of liver diseases and liver protection

75. b) Sarsaparilla
Botanical Origin:
Smilax febrifuga
Smilax regelii
Family:
Liliaceae
Part used:
Dried root
Collection:
Root collected from 2-3 year old plant and
sun dried.

76. Chemistry:
Active ingredient is Sarsaponin
Upon hydrolysis, it produces;
Sarsapogenin
3D-glucose
1L-rhamnose
Uses:
Flavoring agent
Used in skin diseases
Used in rheumatism

77. Cyanophore Glycosides
Upon hydrolysis these glycosides produce
“Hydrocyanic acid” i.e. HCN

78. Wild cherry
Botanical origin:
Prunus serotina
Family:
Rosaceae
Part used:
Dried bark
Collection:
Bark is collected in autumn and sun dried. Drug is almost
odorless when dried but attains strong odor of
benzaldehyde after moisturizing.

79. Chemistry:
Active principle is Prunasin.
It is formed from partial hydrolysis of amygdalin.
In addition to this,
it contains;
Tannins
Volatile oil
Benzoic acid
Uses:
Astringent
Sedative
Flavoring agent
Anti-tussive

80. Isothiocyanate glycosides
These glycosides upon hydrolysis, yield
Mustard oil.
Plants containing these glycosides
posses non-specific resistance against
infection.
These agents posses following
properties;
Vesicant
Rubefacient

81. Black Mustard
Botanical origin:
Brassica nigra
Brassica juncea
Family:
Brassicaceae
Part used:
Dried seeds

82. Chemistry:
Seeds contain active principle Sinigrin
(potassium myrinate(
Upon hydrolysis, it produces;
Mustard oil (allyl Isothiocyanate(
In addition to this, it contains;
Fixed oils
Protein
Mucilages
Uses:
Stimulant
Emetic
Diuretic
Condiment
Vesicant
Rubefacient

83. Lacton glycosides
Cantharide
Zoological origin:
Cantharis vesicatoria
Part used:
Dried insects
Collection:
Insects are collected during month of June an July in early
morning when these are sluggish and inactive. Insects are
killed by exposing them to fumes of ammonia, hydrogen
sulfide, carbon disulfide or acetic acid. Insects are dried in
an oven at temperature not exceeding 40°C and packed in
air tight container with few drops of chloroform or carbon
tetra chloride.

84. Chemistry:
Active principle is
Cantharidin.
In addition to this, it
contains;
Formic acid
Acetic acid
Fat
Fixed oil
Uric acid
Uses:
Counter
irritant
Vesicant
Rubefacient

85. Aldehyde glycosides
Vanilla
Botanical origin:
Vanilla planifolia
Family:
Orchidaceae
Part used:
Vanilla beans
Collection:
Fruit is collected when it is ripen to a yellow color. It is cured by
dipping in warm water. Fruit is sun dried by placing it between
woolen blankets in the sun during day and packing them in woolen
blankets during night. After 2 months, 70-80% of original weight
of fruit is lost and it takes a characteristic odor and color of
vanilla i.e.
Color ….. Violet black
Odor …... Aromatic

86. Chemistry:
Before curing, vanilla contains 2
glycosides;
Glucovanillin
Glucovanillic acid
After curing, active principle is
obtained i.e. Vanillin
Uses:
Flavoring agent

87. Miscellaneous glycosides
a.Gentian
Botanical origin:
Gentiana lutea
Family:
Gentianaceae
Part used:
Dried rhizome and root
Collection:
Rhizome and roots are collected from 4-5yeas old plant in autumn and for
drying, two methods are used;
Quick drying process
Slow drying process

88. Quick drying process
Drying is done immediately after collection, in sunlight.
This drug contains bitter principle Gentiopicrin.
Slow drying process
Drying is done in open air. It takes 4-6
months for drug to dry completely. In
this process, drug is allowed to ferment
and loss most of its bitter principle and
acquire aromatic quality that is desirable.

89. Chemistry:
Active principle is Gentiopicrin.
After hydrolysis, it produces;
Gentiogenin
Glucose
Uses:
Flavoring
agent

90. Quassia
Botanical origin:
Picrasma excelsa
Part used:
Dried stem wood
Collection:
Drug occurs as cubes or chips. It is dried in
an oven at temperature not more than
40°C. The drug is dried to protect from
fermentation.

91. Chemistry:
Active principle is
Quassin.
Quassin is complex of;
Picrasmin
Neoquassin
Uses:
Bitter tonic
Insecticide
Anthelmint
ic

92. Dioscorea
Botanical origin:
Dioscorea bulbifera
Dioscorea composita
Family:
Dioscoreaceae
Part used:
Dried rhizome and root
Collection:
Rhizome and roots are collected from 3-5years old plant
in autumn.

93. Chemistry:
Active principle is Dioscin.
Upon hydrolysis, it produces;
Diosgenin
Sugars ( 1 molecule of D-glucose + 2 molecules
of L-rhamnose(
Uses:
Synthesis of cortisone and steroidal
drugs