Page 327 - Pharmacognosy 2 PG303

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

constituents are guaiac--resin (about 15 %), guaiac yellow, vanillin and guaiac-
saponin.

Test for Identity
Reaction with oxidising agents: Guaiacum resin is easily identified by its

reaction with oxidising agents as follows: Add 1 drop of ferric chloride T.S. to 1 ml
of a 1 % solution of Guaiacum resin in alcohol; a blue color is produced which is
destroyed by reducing agents but restored by oxidising agents.

Uses
The action of guaiacum is that of a local stimulant or, in large doses, irritant.

It has been employed locally in the form of a lozenge and has also been given in
chronic gout and rheumatism. In the form of a tincture, it is used for the detection
of oxidising agent.

Jalap Resin

Syn.: Resina Jalapoe

Jalap Resin is a mixture of resins obtained by precipitating with water the
alcoholic extract of the dried tuber of Ipomoea purga Hayne (Fam.
Convolvulaceae).

Jalap Resin is prepared by extracting powdered Jalap with an alcohol-water
mixture. The percolate is concentrated to one-fourth t

he weight of the drug used and then slowly poured into water with constant
stirring. The precipitated resin is washed with hot water, collected, and dried.

Description
Jalap Resin occurs in dark brown masses or fragments frequently covered with

a brownish powder; translucent at the edges; fracture, brittle, resinous and glassy;
readily reduced to a pale brown powder; Odor, characteristic; taste, somewhat bitter
and acrid.

Solubility
Jalap Resin is insoluble in water. It is readily soluble in alcohol 90 % and in

solutions of caustic alkali. It is partially soluble in ether, in chloroform, in petroleum
ether, in benzene, in carbon disulfide, and in oil of turpentine.

Tests for Identity

269