Page 116 - Pharmacognosy-II (06-PG 303)
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Roots containing iridoid glycosides
Gentian Root
Botanical origin: the dried, fragmented underground organs of Gentiana lutea
L family gentianaceae.
Constituents:
• Iridoid monoterpene glycosides (bitter principles): amarogentin (determines
the value) gentiopicrin (in fresh roots, one of the most strongly bitter
compounds). (somewhat bitter),
• Monosaccharides/Oligosaccharides:gentianose
gentiobiose (bitter)
• Pyridine alkaloids
• Xanthone derivatives (colored yellow).
• Volatile oil (traces)
• Slow drying permits enzymatic hydrolysis of gentiopicrin into gentiogenin
and glucose and thus reducing bitterness.
Uses:
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