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b- Endosperm is formed of somewhatthick-walled polygonal cellulosic parenchyma
containing fixed oil, several aleurone grains (up to 6 um in diameter) enclosing a
globoid, and one or more micro-rosette crystals of calcium oxalate ( about 3 um in
diameter).

III- Carpophore, showing very thick-walled sclerenchyma in two strands.

Powdered plant material:
Grayish-brown to grayish yellow. It shows:

1- Fragments of epicarp cells that are collourless, polygonal in surface view with smooth
cuticle and anomocytic stomata.

2- Fragments of the endocarp composed of thin -walled cells in a parquet- arrangement.

3- Numerous fragments of yellowish brown vittae composed of thin-walled polygonal
secretory cells (surface view).

4- Lignified reticulate parenchyma of the mesocarp composed of thin -walled lignified cells
having oval pits that are usually associated with the fibro-vascular tissue.

5- Fragments of endosperm with: 1 to 2 micro-rosette crystals of Ca Ox., fixed oil globules
and aleurone grains.

6- Fragments of the testa and fibro-vascular tissue.

General identity tests:
1- Macroscopic and microscopic examinations.
2- Thin-layer chromatography for the presence of anethole and fenchone.
3- Gas chromatography for the presence of anethole, fenchone and estragole.

Purity tests:
Microbiological:
Tests for specific microorganisms and microbial contamination.

Foreign organic matter:
Not more than 1.5% peduncles and not more than 1.5% other foreign matter.
Total ash: Not more than 10%.
Acid-insoluble ash: Not more than 1.5%.
Water-soluble extractive: Not less than 20%.
Alcohol-soluble extractive: Not less than 11%.

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