Page 69 - Pharmacognosy 02-06203
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2- Fragments of mesocarp with brownish pieces of vittae with radiating cells vessels and
cells of the innermost layer of the mesocarp.
3- Fragments of endocarpal cells with a distinctparquet arrangement, usually adhering to
brown cells of the testa.
4- Numerous fragments of the endosperm containing colourless, polygonal cells,
numerous oil globules and several aleurone grains, 4-12 pm in diameter, each
enclosing micro-rosette crystals of calcium oxa¬late, 2-5 pm in diameter.
5- Trichomes and starch grains are absent.
General identity tests:
Macroscopic and microscopic examinations, micro-chemical tests, and thin-layer
chromatography for the presence of xanthotoxin and bergapten.
Purity tests:
Microbiological:
Tests for specific microorganisms and microbial contamination limits.
Total ash: Not more than 7%.
Acid-insoluble ash: Not more than 0.04%.
Water-soluble extractive: Not less than 17%.
Alcohol-soluble extractive: Not less than 16%.
Loss on drying: Not more than 12%.
Chemical, foreign organic matter and sulfated ash tests to be established in accordance
-with national requirements.
Major chemical constituents:
1- The major constituents are furano-coumarins, the principal compounds being:
a. Xanthotoxin (methoxsalen, 8-methoxypsoralen (8-MOP) ammoidin; up to
1.15%).
b. Imperatorin (ammidin; up to 0.75%).
c. Bergapten {majudin, 5-methoxypsoralen (5-MOP)} up to 1.88%).
2- Other consti¬tuents of interest are acetylated flavonoids.
Medicinal uses:
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