Page 253 - Pharmacognosy 2 PG303 (1)

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

Adulteration
The presence of other Gentiana species can't be recognized macro- or micro-
scopically. TLC detection of additional acyl glycosides, amaropanin and
amaroswerin, indicates the occurrence of such admixture. Also, the occurrence of
starch (iodine test) indicates the adulteration with other plants. Occasional
adulteration with Rumex alpinus L., monk's rhubarb (Fam. Polygonaceae) can be
recognized on micro-sublimation: the sublimate is colored red with KOH.

Powdered Gentian; 1, cork in surface view, 2, cork in side view, 3,
parenchyma with oil globules; 4, 5, 6, islet of sieve tissue in the wood
parenchyma with starch granules and acicular crystals; 7, xylem vessels; 8,
broken wood parenchyma.

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