Page 34 - Pharmacognosy-II (06-PG 303)

Colocynth (Bitter apple)

Colocynth is the dried unripe but fully grown fruits of Citrullus
colocynthis, family Cucurbitaceae.

Macroscopic characters :

Colocynth is true, simple, succulent berry.
The official part is the pithy pulp (mesocarp and placenta).
Colocynth occurs in light spongy easily broken, globular masses or in
pieces of variable sizes.

Constituents :

1- Alkaloids with purgative action.
2- Amorphous resin with purgative action.
3- Alcohol (Citrullol).
4- Glycosides (Cucurbitacins as Cucurbitacin E).

Uses :

1- Gastro-intestinal tract stimulant as powerful purgative (cathartic).
2- Potent cytotoxic (cucurbitacins).
3- Due to its toxicity its use is now limited.

Senna pod

Senna pod is the dried ripe fruits of Cassia senna family
Leguminosea.

Macroscopic characters :

The fruits are broadly elliptical, somewhat reniform, flattened,
dehiscent pod, 4-7 cm long by 2 cm wide with characteristic; odor and
mucilaginous then slightly bitter taste.

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