Page 228 - Pharmacognosy 2 PG303

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

is with the roots of other Valeriana species, but the roots of Apiaceae have also been
found. Some substituents are reported as the following:

Japanese Valerian, Kesso is said to be the rhizome and roots of Valeriana
officinalis var. latifolia Miquel. The rhizome is small, erect, brownish and crowned
with scars or with the remains of aerial stems. Its odor resembles that of valerian
but is much stronger and somewhat aromatic. It yields up to 8% volatile oil
containing l-bornyl isovalerianate and acetate, kessyl acetate and terpenes.

Radix Valeriana Majoris is the root of V. phu Linn. It has very little odor.

Mexican Valerian is the rhizome of V. officinalis growing in Mexico. It
yields traces of volatile oil and a little free valerianic acid, and its odor is feeble.

Nardus Root is the rhizome and roots of Nardostachys jatamansi de
Candolle, Fam. Valerianaceae, in Alpine Himalayas. The rhizome is short, thick,
dark grey, crowned by a bundle of fibers. Its odor resembles valerian and yields 1%
volatile oil.

Rhizome of Veratrum album Linn. has been reported in admixture with
valerian rhizome and poisoning by veratrum when administered as tincture
Valeriana made probably from adulterated drug.

RADIX SENEGA
Polygala, Senega Root, Snakeroot.

It is the dried root and root stock of Polygala senega L. (Fam. Polygalaceae).
Senega contains not more than 5% of its stems, and not more than 2% of other
foreign organic matter. It is native in the forests of north America. The drug is
important from India, Japan, Canada and the USA.

185