Page 63 - Pharmacognosy 2 PG303

Pharmacognosy-2 (PG303) Level 2 Clinical Pharmacy-Pharm D

Powder
Powdered coriander is light brown to brown in color with an aromatic odor
and characteristic aromatic taste. It is characterized microscopically by:
1. Numerous irregular fragments of endosperm. cells containing globules of
fixed oil and aleurone grains containing micro-rosette crystals of calcium oxalate.
2. Fragments of endocarp cells associated with hexagonal sclerenchyma of
innermost layer of mesocarp.
3. Fragments of characteristic irregularly curved yellowish pitted lignified
fusiform fibers of mesocarp in sinuous rows often crossing at right angle.
4. Fragments of parenchymatous cells of the mesocarp, without reticulate
thickening.
5. Very few fragments showing pieces of yellowish-brown vittae.
6. Hairs and starch granules are completely absent.

Constituents
1. Up to 1 but not less than 0.3 % of volatile oils, the constituent of which is
linalool (65 - 90%) and pinene.
2. Fixed oil and proteins.

Uses
It is used as flavoring agent and carminative.

Adulterants
Bombay Coriander: fruits are ellipsoidal about 0.5 to 8 mm long and 3 to
4.5 mm wide. It has less volatile oil content.

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