Page 77 - Pharmacognosy 02-06203

It should contain not more than 5% of its seed and 2% of the hard outer layers of the
sclerenchymatous rind.
Organoleptic properties:
Colocynth is odourless but has an intensely bitter taste.
The T.S. of the fruits shows three large splits radiating from the center and dividing the
fruit into 3 parts; each contains two groups of seeds; the remaining space is filled with
pithy parenchyma.
It should contain not more than 5% of its seed and 2% of the sclerenchymatous rind.
Adulteration:
1-By the seeds: Detection by petroleum ether extract. It should not exceed 3%.
2- By the outer layers of the rind: Detected by ash determination which should notexceed
15%.
Constituents:
1- Alkaloids with purgative action.
2- Amorphous resin with purgative action.
3- Alcohol ( citrullol).
4- Glycosides (Cucurbitacins as Cucurbitacin E ).
5- Others.
Uses:

Due to its toxicity its use is now limited.
It was previously used as:
1- Gastro-intestinal tract stimulant as powerful purgative.
2- It has tumour necrosing activity

Senna pod
Dried ripe fruit of Cassia senna L., Family Fabaceae (leguminosae).
Synonyms
Cassia acutifolia Delile and Cassia angustifolia Vahl. are recognized as two distinct
species in a number of pharmacopoeias as Alexandrian senna fruit and Tinnevelly senna

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