Page 73 - Pharmacognosy 02-06203

Endocarp: a single layer composed of sclereids with unevenly thickened and pitted walls
arranged in groups under the cavities of the giant cells of the mesocarp, and separated
by thin-walled, unlignified parenchyma.

Dissepiment: with the epidermis on both sides a secreting epithelium, composed of
thinwalled, polygonal cells with the cuticle raised, forming large bladders containing oily
droplets and occasional crystals of capsaicin.

Testa: epidermis a layer of large, yellowish -green, lignified cells with strongly thickened
and striated radial and inner wails, the anticlinal walls markedly wavy and unevenly
thickened in surface view, with large, conspicuous, rounded pits.

Endosperm: composed of thin-walled parenchymatous cells containing fixed oil and
aleurone grains.

Calyx outer epidermis with anisocytic stomata; numerous glandular trichomes on the inner
epidermis with unicellular stalks and ovoid, multicellular heads containing yel ¬lowish-
brown secretion; epidermis of pedicel with stomata and trichomes similar to those of the
calyx; inner tissues of both calyx and pedicel containing idioblasts filled with
microsphenoidal crystals of calcium oxalate.

Powdered capsicum

Powdered capsicum is yellowish brown to brownish red with strong characteristic
sternutatory odour and strong fiery pungent taste.

Microscopic characters:

1- Numerous fragments of characteristic outer epidermis of the seed coat formed of
lignified cells with thick sinu ous lignified walls.

2- Fragments of the endosperm with polyhedral cells containing fixed oil globules and
aleurone grains.

3- Scattered reddish oily droplets.

4- Fragments of rectangular thick-walled cells of the epicarp arranged in rows covered by
striated cuticle.

5- Fragments of lignified,wavy, thin -walled sclerenchymatous cells alternating with wavy,
thin-walled parenchyma of the endocarp.

6- Fragments of parenchyma showing scattered idioblasts of micro-sphenoidal crystals of
calcium oxalate and red colouring matter.

7- Few fragments of calyx and pedicel showing the glandular clavate hairs.

8- Few small vessels and fibers but no starch granules.

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