Page 234 - Pharmacognosy 2 PG303 (1)

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

6- Fragment of the epidermis from the 13- Part of a group of
margin of a scale leaf in surface view vessels and tracheids
showing cuticular striations, a stoma (sa.)
and attached trichomes.
7- A detached trichome. .

Uses
Because of its saponin content, it is used as expectorant in bronchitis with the
production of thick or little sputum and in catarrh in respiratory tract and
emphysema. On intraperitoneal administration in rats, the saponins isolated from the
plant cause an increase in the ACTH hormone, corticosterone and glucose blood
level.

Side Effects
Only on over-dosage: nausea, diarrhea, stomach upsets and dizziness.

Adulterations
It happens occasionally, mainly with the roots of other Polygala sp; often,
they can be recognized microscopically, but with more certainty on microscopic
examination (starch, crystals, stone cells... etc.).

The smaller roots of southern of white senega, which comes from the southern
USA, are derived from P. alba Nutt. and P boykini Nutt. Pakistan senega is stated
to come from Andrachne aspera Spreng. (Euphorbiaceae). Syrian senega, from
Pergularia marginata (DC.) Kittel (Caryophyllaceae) and Indian senega, from
Glinus oppositifolius (L.) A.DC. (Molluginaceae or Aizoaceae) can be recognized
by their deviating chromatograms in the TLC test of identity.

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