Page 26 - Practical handout Lev 1-Pharm D- 2024-2025-with spec

Pharm D Level 1 Medicinal plants (PG 101)

2- Waste Products
A-Calcium Carbonate Crystal (cystolith)

-Found in specialized large epidermal cells called lithocysts

-It dissolves with effervescence in dilute acetic, hydrochloric or sulphuric acid.

B-Calcium Oxalate Crystals

- Function :-to deter herbivores from eating plant parts.

Forms of Crystals may be :-
1-Prisms 2- Raphides 3- Clusters
They are square or They are very narrow, They are formed of

rhomboidal slender, long needle like aggregated prisms
crystals crystals, commonly frequently radiating

occurring in bundles, from a central point in
different planes.

Test :-Calcium oxalate crystals are insoluble in acetic acid but dissolve in HCL &
H2SO4 acid without effervescence (c.f. Calcium carbonate).

11