Page 31 - Pharmacognosy-II (06-PG 303)

Dissepiment: with the epidermis on both sides a secreting epithelium,
composed of thin-walled, polygonal cells with the cuticle raised, forming
large bladders containing oily droplets and occasional crystals of capsaicin.
Testa: epidermis a layer of large, yellowish-green, lignified cells with
strongly thickened and striated radial and inner wails, the anticlinal walls
markedly wavy and unevenly thickened in surface view, with large,
conspicuous, rounded pits.
Endosperm: composed of thin-walled parenchymatous cells containing fixed
oil and aleurone grains.
Calyx outer epidermis with anisocytic stomata; numerous glandular trichomes
on the inner epidermis with unicellular stalks and ovoid, multicellular heads
containing yellowish-brown secretion; epidermis of pedicel with stomata and
trichomes similar to those of the calyx; inner tissues of both calyx and pedicel
containing idioblasts filled with microsphenoidal crystals of calcium oxalate.
Powdered capsicum
Powdered capsicum is yellowish brown to brownish red with strong
characteristic sternutatory odour and strong fiery pungent taste.
Microscopic characters:

1. Sclereids of the endocarp: polygonal to elongated in surface view,

have sinuous walls which are moderately thickened and have numerous

distinct pits.

2. Fragments of the epidermis of the testa (Seed coat): a layer of very

large lignified cells with markedly wavy walls which are yellowish-

green in colour.

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