Page 140 - Pharmd general phytochemistry I-Final2024_LEUCTERS

- Leaf extracts has the property of liver protection, also have a choleretic activity.

- They are used in jaundice; Cynarin increases the secretion of bile, which is thought

to be primarily responsible for the described choleretic and cholagogic activity. The liver

protective effect of cynarin was mediated through maintaining the level of GSH and ROS

scavenging ability.

- Several pharmaceutical preparations are available e.g., Cholicynar®, lipocholine®,

Chophytol®.

HO COOH OH
COOH
O

H H O OH O C H OH
HO OH C=C OH
H HO H CO
HO HO C=C H

Quinic acid H

Cynarin

Furanochromones

Khellin

Source: Fruits of Ammi visnaga, Family Umbelliferae. Khellin is a 2-methyl-5,8-dimethoxy
furanochromone. The fruit contains about 1% of khellin beside two other crystalline
compounds, visnagin (0.1%) and khellolglycoside (0.3 %).

Chemical tests:

1. Khellin when treated with aqueous potassium hydroxide gives a rose-red colour (an
infusion of Ammi visnaga gives the same results).

2. Khellin decolorizes potassium permanganate solution.

OCH3 O

O O CH3

Uses: OCH3
Khellin

1. Ammi visnaga fruits have long been used in Egypt as an antispasmodic agent to treat

138