Page 39 - Pharmacognosy 2 PG303

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

▪ The vitta is a schizogenous duct, spindle-shaped and has a secreting
epithelium. They may be simple (Fennel), branched (Anise), few
(Coriander) or almost inconspicuous (Hemlock).

▪ The vascular bundle is oval as in (Fennel) triangular (Caraway) or crescent-
shaped (Visnaga). It shows two lateral phloem bands with xylem in between
formed of fibers and few vessels. It may be accompanied by secretory ducts
(Visnaga) or with reticulate parenchyma (Fennel).

▪ The innermost layer of the mesocarp may be differentiated as lignified cells
(Coriander) or porous cells (Visnaga) or nonporous thickened cells (A.
majus), Endocarp mother cells are divided into groups of narrow parallel
cells which, may be parallel to each other forming parallel arrangement or
variously oriented forming parquetry arrangement.

▪ The surface of the seed on the commissural side may be flat and the seed is
termed orthospermous (Fennel) or concave and the seed is colospermous or
has a longitudinal groove where it is called campylospermous.

▪ The endosperm cells contain aleurone grains enclosing a globoid and one or
more micro-rosette crystals of calcium oxalate.

▪ Umbelliferous fruits usually contain volatile oil secreted by the vittae, but
other constituents are reported in Ammi visnaga which contain bitter
principles and in hemlock which contain alkaloids.

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