Page 352 - Pharmacognosy 2 PG303 (1)

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

Constituents • Mainly Arabin • Mainly two polysaccharides:-
(Mix. of Ca, Mg and K salts of arabic acid). Bassorin (a complex of poly methoxylated acids),
which swell in water but does not dissolve
• Oxidase enzyme • Tragacanthin (water soluble)

Uses • Demulcent in cough, diarrhea preparations and • Suspending agent for insoluble powders,
lozenges, Emulsifying agent for oils.
• suspending &emulsifying agent • Hand lotions, cloth printing.

Tests for Its aqueous solution is, viscous, slightly acidic to
Identity litmus paper.
Aq. Soln. of Gum Arabic +few drops of H2O2 + few • Neither blue colored particles
• Oxidase drops of benzidine T.S.→ (Indian Tragacanth)
enzyme test Shake and allow to stand→ deep • Nor a blue colored soln.
blue or a greenish- blue color. (Gum Arabic)
Aq. Soln. of gum Arabic +1 mL of lead sub-acetate No flocculent white ppt.
• Lead sub soln.→ flocculent white
acetate test ppt.
No flocculent white ppt. flocculent white ppt.
• Lead
acetate test
1 g of powdered gum+ 1 mL N/50 iodine The particles are colored yellow and
solution→ yellowish brown color. may show minute scattered blue points
• Iodine test due to starch.

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