Page 229 - Pharmacognosy 2 PG303

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

Macroscopical Characters
The spindle shaped, curved, or somewhat spirally twisted root is yellowish

brown to dark brown. It has a broad crown on which the numerous remains of buds
and broken-off bases of stems can be seen. There is a keeled swelling (which is no
longer recognizable in the soaked drug) and transverse folds. The transverse section
shows a white phloem and a yellow xylem which, opposite the keeled side, is
flattened or appears as if wedged have been cut out of it (broad wedge-shaped
medullary rays). The fracture is cartilaginous and uneven. Odor; is characteristic,
sternutatory when in powder form, mostly somewhat "rancid" or reminiscent of
methyl salicylate. Taste; is sweet, slightly harsh and somewhat pungent, and irritant
to the throat.

Senega occurs usually in pieces, sometimes entire, consisting of a large

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