Page 176 - Pharmacognosy 2 PG303

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

diameter and showing a central stellate hilum, and few compound granules of
2 - 6 components.

Tests for Identity
1. On micro-sublimation, powdered Hydrastis yields a yellow crystalline
sublimate of hydrastine.
2. Moisten a little powdered Hydrastis with few drops of water, then mount in
hydrochloric acid or dilute sulphuric acid, numerous acicular or rod-shaped
crystals of hydrastine and berberine are formed.
3. Shake frequently for 5 minutes, 0.1 gm. of powdered Hydrastis with 2 cc. of
chloroform, filter, and evaporate the filtrate to dryness. Add to the residue, 1
to 2cc. of sulphuric acid and a small crystal of ammonium molybdate, a
green color changing to blue is produced.
4. Boil a little of powdered Hydrastis, previously extracted with chloroform,
with 5 cc. of water, filter, and evaporate the filtrate to dryness. Moisten the
yellow residue with sulphuric acid and add a few drops of bromine T.S., a
blood-red color is produced.

Constituents
Three alkaloids have been isolated from Hydrastis: hydrastine, berberine and

canadine, of these hydrastine (1.5-4 %.) is the most important. The drug contains in
addition resin, starch, and a trace of volatile oil.

Uses
Hydrastis rhizome is a bitter tonic. It is given in chronic gastro-intestinal

catarrh and nasal inflammation. It is also used as a stomachic and stimulant in
inflammation of the uterine mucous membrane and is employed locally in various
kinds of ulceration and hemorrhage.

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