Page 97 - Pharmacognosy 02-06203

Roots containing Saponin Glycosides

A- Roots containing Triterpene Saponin Glycosides

1- Senega Root ‫جذر البوليجالة‬

Senega consists of the dried root stocks and roots of Polygala Senega,
Family Polygalaceae.

Constituents:
• Senega contains triterpene saponins; senega saponins A, B, C…...etc.

The most important is senegin A.
• It contains no starch.

Uses:
Senega is used as stimulant expectorant, in chronic bronchitis, in
bronchial asthma, whooping cough, and various respiratory problems e.g.
Pneumonia.
N.B: excessive large dose causes violent vomiting and purgation.

2- Liquorice Root - Radix Glycyrrhizae ‫جذر العرقسو س‬

Liquorice is dried peeled or unpeeled roots & rhizomes of Glycyrrhiza
glabra var. typica (Spanish liquorice) or of G. glabra var. glandulifera
(Russsian liquorice), family Leguminosae.

Cultivation and collection:
The plant is cultivated in Western Europe (Spain & and Italy), also

in Egypt. The underground organs are developed at sufficient extent by the
end of 3-4 years, The drug is dried rapidly in the sun or by artificial heat.

95