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Clinical pharmacy PharmD program Third level Phytochemistry-1 (PG-504)

2. Coumarin glycosides

These constitute a group of glycosides, of which the aglycone is either coumarin or a coumarin
derivative (Hydroxy and methoxy coumarins).

Detection : The aqueous solution of all coumarins and its derivatives have blue or violet
fluorescence in UV 366 nm.

Intensifies by aq. ammonia solution.

Umbelliferon: is a natural coumarin, It occurs both in the free state and in the form of
glycosides

Source: in some resins of Galbanum, and Asafetida

Medicinal Importance

• A natural fragrant substance has a sweet odor, and has been used in perfumes industry.

• Coumarin is used in the pharmaceutical industry as a precursor in the synthesis of a number of
synthetic anticoagulant pharmaceuticals similar to dicoumarol, e.g. warfarin, they act in the liver by
interfering with the action of vitamin K.

• Antispasmodic activity: as scopoletin (6-methoxy-7-hydroxyl coumarin).

• Its strong absorption of ultraviolet light at several wavelengths led to its use as a sunscreen agent, for
the protection against the sunlight.

3. Anthraquinone Glycosides

Anthraquinones are widely distributed in plants.

Mainly used as purgative drugs e.g: Senna, Rhubarb, Cascara, Frangula and Aloes

These anthraquinone derivatives, occur in both free state and as glycosides.

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