Page 101 - Pharmacognosy 02-06203

B. Roots containing Steroidal Saponin Glycosides 1-
Sarsaparilla Root ‫جذر العشب ة‬

Dried roots and sometimes also of rhizomes of Smilax ornate Family
Liliaceae
Constituents:

• Steroidal saponin glycosides: sarsasaponin, smilasaponin,
sarsaparilloside,

• Their aglycones: sarsasapogenin and smilagenin.
Uses:

• Formerly, Sasaparilla was used in the treatment of syphilis,
rheumatism, and certain skin diseases.

• Recently, Genins are used in the partial synthesis of steroidal
hormones.

• It can also be used as a blood purifier purifier and general tonic for
physical weakness.

2-Ginseng Root ‫جذر الجنسن ج‬
Man's health root Red berry root

Ginseng consists of the dried tuberous root of Panax ginseng (Korean
ginseng) or of P. quinquefolium (American Ginseng), family Araliaceae.
Meaning of the name: ALL- healing root
(Pan = all ax = cure) (gin =man seng= essence)

Collection & preparation:
The most expensive Ginseng is that obtained from The Korean plant.

The plant is collected when 6 years old. The outer layers are removed
(peeled) dried in the sun to produce white Ginseng.

Red Ginseng is obtained by first steaming the root, and then dried by
artificial heat. It should be stored in containers over quicklime to avoid

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