Page 470 - Applied Pharmacognosy

A . Total ash

• A . Total ash:
• This consists mainly of carbonates, oxides, silicates and phosphates

of Na, K, Mg and Ca as well as silica.

• Total ash is a measure of the physiological and non – physiological
ashes present in the plant material.

• Physiological ash is derived from the plant tissue itself,

• Non – physiological ash is the residue left after ignition of the
extraneous matter (sand & soil) adhering to the surface of the
plant material.