CRUDE DRUGS BELONGING TO VARIOUS FAMILIES OF MEDICINAL IMPORTANCE

Chapter outline
Ranunculanceae: Aconitum, Larkspur, Pulsatilla, Hydrastis
Papaveraaceae: Papaver somniferum, Sanguinaria, Canadensis
Leguminosae: Acacia, Glycyrrhiza, Senna, Cassia, Tamarind
Umbelliferae: Fennel, Carum, Coriander, Conium, Asafoetida
Apocynaceae: Rauwolfia, Catharanthus
Asclepiadaceae: Gymnema sylvestre, Calotropis gigantea
Asteraceae/Compositae: Artemisia, Silybum marianum, Echinaceae, Arctium lappa
Solanaceae: Belladonna, Hyoscyamus, Stramonium, Capsicum
Scrophulariaceae: Digitalis, Verbascum (Mullien)
Labiatae: Peppermint, Thyme, Spearmint, Salvia, Ocimum
Liliaceae: Garlic, Colchicum, Aloe
Zingiberaceae: Ginger, Curcuma

Ranunculanceae: Aconitum, Larkspur, Pulsatilla, Hydrastis

Aconitum

Aconite (Wolfsbane root) consists of the dried roots of Aconitum napellus (Fam. Ranunculaceae),
collected from wild or cultivated plants
Macroscopic characters

Aconite differs in appearance according to the season of collection

The aconite formerly cultivated in England was harvested in the autumn and consisted of both parent
and daughter roots

Both are obconical in shape, dark-brown in color, 4-10 cm long and 1-3 cm in diameter at the crown

Odor is usually slight

Taste is at first slightly sweet, followed by tingling and numbness (long chewing may be painful)

Constituents

Aconitine (alkaloid)
Uses

Very potent and quick acting poison

Now rarely used internally

Was formerly used for the preparation of an antineuralgic liniment

Larkspur

It is the dried root of Delphinium denudatum (Fam. Ranunculaceae)
Page 1 of 24
Constituents

Alkaloids: Denudatine, Denudatidine, Condelphine, Talatizidine, Iso-talatizidine

Sterols (steroid alcohols): Campesterol, Stigmasterol, Sitosterol, Cholesterol, Delta-avenasterol)

Uses

Astringent, Vulnerary (wound healing), Deobstruent (a drug which removes obstructions in the body by
aiding the opening of ducts), Alterative

Used for painful piles, Muscular atrophy, Gout, As a nervine tonic
Pulsatilla

Aerial parts of Anemone obtusiloba (A. pulsatilla) (Fam. Ranunculaceae)
Constituents

Pulsatilla contains; Ranunculin (unstable glycoside), Anemonin
• Ranunculin hydrolyzes to a toxic, unstable compound protoanemonin, which readily dimerizes to
non-toxic anemonin
Uses

Nervine and sedative
• Used for anxiety neurosis, nervous exhaustion, tension, headache, migraine and insomnia

Antispasmodic

Used for amenorrhea, inflammation of ovaries, painful menstruation and genitourinary infections

The seeds cause vomiting and purging

The seed oil is used in rheumatism

Topically, pulsatilla is used for infectious diseases of the skin

Hydrastis
 of Hydrastis canadensis (Fam.
Hydrastis or goldenseal consists of the dried rhizome and roots
Ranunculaceae)
O
Constituents
 N CH
3 alkaloids (isoquinoline alkaloids) have been isolated O 3

• Hydrastine
• Berberine O
OCH
Hydrastine 3
• Canadine O
OCH3
Uses

Hydrastis is used;
• To check uterine hemorrhage
• As a bitter stomachic
• Locally in the treatment of catarrhal conditions of the genitourinary tract

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
Hydrastine hydrochloride and hydrastinine hydrochloride have been used in various forms to control
uterine hemorrhage

Papaveraceae: Opium, Sanguinaria, Canadensis

Opium ‫میفا‬

Opium or gum opium is the air dried milky exudate obtained by incising the unripe capsules of opium
poppy Papaver somniferum (Fam. Papaveraceae)
Cultivation, collection and commerce

The cultivation of the opium poppy is controlled internationally by the International Narcotics Control
Board of the United Nations

At the present time, licit (legal/lawful) production takes place primarily in India, Turkey, the Soviet
Union and China

Poppy seeds are sown in October; The seeds germinate in the fall

Seedlings may be 2 to 3 cm high when snow falls, this protects them from freezing

In the spring, when the plants are about 15 cm (6 inches) in height, they are transplanted about 60 cm apart

It blossoms in April to May; Capsules mature in June or July; Each plant bears 5 to 8 capsules

Ripening capsules, about 4 cm in diameter, change in color from bluish green to yellowish

This time is critical for latex collection

The capsules are incised with a knife, which is usually 3 bladed, and the incision is made along the
circumference of the capsule

Great skill is required so that endocarp is not cut. When endocarp is broken, the latex flows into the
interior of the capsule and is lost

The latex, white at first, rapidly coagulates and turns brown

Usually incision is done in the evening and the latex is removed (scraped off with a knife) in the early
following/next morning and is transferred to a poppy leaf

Each capsule is incised several times at intervals of 2 or 3 days

When sufficient latex is collected, it is kneaded (squeezed/pressed) into balls that are wrapped in poppy
leaves and dried in the shade

The latex (opium) is the inspected

After inspection, the opium is usually packed with the brown-winged fruits of a Rumex, which prevents
cohering (sticking/adhering)
Properties of opium

Opium occurs as more or less rounded, somewhat flattened masses that are usually about 8 to 15 cm in
diameter and weigh from 300 g to 2 kg each

Externally, opium is pale olive-brown or olive-gray

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
It is covered with fragments of poppy leaves and, at times, with fruits of a species of Rumex that adheres
from the packing

It is more or less plastic when fresh; Becomes hard and brittle or tough when kept

Internally, it is coarsely granular or nearly smooth, reddish brown, frequently interspersed with lighter
areas and somewhat lustrous

Odor is characteristic; Taste is bitter and characteristic
Constituents of opium RO

Alkaloids (isoquinoline alkaloids), most important of these are;
• Morphine (4-21%)
O
• Codeine (0.8-2.5%) N CH3

• Noscapine (4-8%) Morphine: R = H

HO
• Papaverine (0.5-2.5%) Codeine: R = CH3
Heroin: OH & OR = OCOCH3
• Thebaine (0.5-2%)

Meconic acid (3-5%) [exists free or in combination with alkaloids]
• Meconic acid gives red color with ferric chloride solution. Because Meconic acid is found only in
opium, this test may be used for the detection of opium

Heroin: A semisynthetic product, produced by acetylation of morphine
Commercial varieties of opium

Turkish opium, Indian opium, Chinese opium
Uses

It acts chiefly on CNS; First stimulates and then depresses nerve responses
 Narcotic analgesic  Hypnotic
 Checks excessive peristalsis  Contracts the pupil of the eye
Sanguinaria

Sanguinaria or blood root is the dried rhizome of Sanguinaria canadensis (Fam. Papaveraceae)

Sanguinaria refers to the bloody color of the juice

Canadensis refers to the plant habitat in Canada

Constituents

Alkaloids (isoquinoline alkaloids)
• Sanguinarine (1%)
• Chelerythrine
• Protopine
• Allocryptopine

These alkaloids are colorless, but tend to form colored salts

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Uses
 
Stimulating properties Expectorant 
Emetic

Leguminosae: Acacia, Glycyrrhiza, Senna, Cassia, Tamarind

Acacia

Acacia or gum arabic is the dried, gummy exudate from the stems and branches of Acacia senegal or of
other related African species of Acacia (Fam. Leguminosae)
Collection and commerce

The trees are tapped by making a transverse incision in the bark and peeling the bark both above and
below the cut

Hence an area of cambium, 2 to 3 feet in length and 2 to 3 inches in breadth is exposed

In 2 to 3 weeks, the tears of gum formed on this exposed surface are collected

Average annual yield of gum per tree is 900 to 2000 g

The formation of the gum may be caused by bacterial action or by the action of ferment

Properties

Acacia is soluble in water to form hydrocolloids

Remains in solution at alcohol concentrations below 60%

Solutions of acacia have low viscosity and good stability over the pH range of 2 to 10

Constituents

Polysaccharides
• Arabin (complex mixture of calcium, magnesium and potassium salts of arabic acid)
Arabic acid is a branched polysaccharide OH OH
 HO OH
Enzymes (Oxidases, peroxidases, pectinases)
Uses OH O
 Arabic acid
Emulsifying agent Suspending agent
 
Possesses emollient and demulcent properties Adhesive and binder in tablet granulation
Licorice / Glycyrrhiza ‫یھٹلم‬

Glycyrrhiza or licorice root is the dried rhizome and roots of Glycyrrhiza glabra, or of G. glabra var.
glandulifera, or of other varieties of G. glabra that yield a yellow and sweet wood (Fam. Leguminosae)

Drug obtained from G. glabra is known in commerce as Spanish licorice

Drug obtained from G. glabra var. glandulifera is known in commerce as Russian licorice

Constituent

Glycosides (saponin glycosides)
• Glycyrrhizin (also called glycyrrhizic acid)
It is 50 times as sweet as sugar; upon hydrolysis, the glycoside (glycyrrhizin) loses its sweet taste
Page 5 of 24

Other constituents:
• Liquiritin H3 C COOH

• Isoliquiritin
O
• Liquiritoside CH3
CH3
• Isoliquiritoside CH3
HOOC
• Glucose CH3
• Mannitol O O CH3
OH H3 C
• Starch (20%) HOOC
HO
Uses O O
 Demulcent OH
HO Glycyrrhizin
 Expectorant OH

To treat peptic ulcer

Flavoring agent to mask bitter taste of drugs

Surfactant (this property facilitates the absorption of poorly absorbed drugs)

Anti-inflammatory (used in dermatological practice)

Glycyrrhizin increases sodium and fluid retention and promotes potassium depletion. Persons with
cardiac problems and hypertension should avoid consumption of significant quantities of licorice
Senna ‫یکم انس‬

Senna or senna leaf consists of the dried leaflet of Cassia HOH2C
acutifolia, or of C. angustifolia (Fam. Leguminosae) O
O O OH
 OH
Drug obtained from C. acutifolia is known in commerce HO
as Alexandria senna OH
 COOH
Drug obtained from C. angustifolia is known in commerce
COOH
as Tinnevelly senna
Constituent
 HOH2C
Glycosides (anthraquinone glycosides) O O O OH
• Sennoside A, B (major constituent) OH
HO
• Sennoside C, D (minor constituent) Sennoside A
OH
Uses

Cathartic 
Cassia ‫ساتلما‬

Cassia is the dried ripe fruit of Cassia fistula (Fam. Leguminosae)

Macroscopic characters

The fruit is a cylindrical pod, 25-30 cm long, 20-25 mm in diameter

Page 6 of 24

Black chocolate brown to black in color

Contains 25-100 oval reddish-brown seeds, separated by membranous dissepiments (dividing tissue)

Pulp has a prune-like odor and a sweetish taste

Constituents

Pulp contains;
• Rhein (anthraquinone glycoside)
• Combined sennidin-like compounds
• Sugars (50%)
• Coloring matter
• Volatile oil (in traces)
Uses

Cathartic 
Tamarind ‫یلما‬

Tamarind is the partially dried fruit of Tamarindus indica (Fam. Leguminosae) that has been deprived of
the outer layer of pericarp and preserved with sugar
Constituents

Organic acids OH O
O COOH O
• Citric acid HO
OH
HO OH
• Tartaric acid OH O OH

Uses Citric acid Tartaric acid


 Laxative Antipyretic

Umbelliferae: Fennel, Carum, Coriander, Conium, Asafoetida

Fennel ‫فنوس‬

Fennel is the dried ripe fruit of Foeniculum vulgare (Fam. Umbelliferae) CH CH CH3
Macroscopic characters
 O
Fruit is 5-10 mm long, 2-4 mm broad; Shape is slightly curved and oval 

Surface is brownish with 5 straight prominent straw colored primary ridges

OCH 
 3 Fenchone
Bifid stylopod at the apex
Anethole 
 aromatic
Color is greenish brown; Odor is aromatic; Taste is distinct, sweet and

Constituents

Volatile oil
• Anethole (50-60%)
• (+)-fenchone
• (+)-α-pinene

Page 7 of 24
Uses
 
Flavoring agent Carminative
Carum / Caraway ‫ہریز‬

Caraway is the dried ripe fruit of Carum carvi (Fam. Umbelliferae)
Macroscopic characters

Fruits are 4-7 mm long, 1 mm broad, slightly curved, smooth and tapering at both ends

There are five primary ridges

Stigma is attached and a stylopod at the apex

Color is brown; Odor and taste are characteristic and spicy

Constituents O

Volatile oil
• Carvone
• Limonene
Limonene Carvone
Uses
 
Flavoring agent Carminative
Coriander ‫ہینھد‬

Coriander is the dried ripe fruit of Coriandrum sativum (Fam. Umbelliferae)
Macroscopic characters

The drug usually consists of the whole cremocarps

When ripe, are about 2.3-4.3 mm in diameter and straw-yellow

Each consists of two hemispherical mericarps, united by their margins

Considerable variation exists in coriander

The Indian variety is oval

The apex bears two divergent styles

The 10 primary ridges are wavy and inconspicuous; alternating with these are 8 more prominent, straight

secondary ridge OH

The fruits have an aromatic odor and a spicy taste

They are somewhat liable to insect attacks

Constituents

Volatile oil Linalool
• (+)-linalool (also called coriandrol) [60-70%]
• Other minor constituents: Limonene, γ-terpinene, p-cymene, α-pinene
Uses
 
Flavoring agent Carminative
Conium

Page 8 of 24

It consists of the dried, full grown but unripe fruit of Conium maculatum (Fam. Umbelliferae)

It is a poisonous plant indigenous to Europe

The juice of this plant constituted the famous hemlock poison of the Greeks and was employed by
them in putting their criminals to death

It is commonly believed that Socrates was put to death with a decoction of this plant
Macroscopic characters

The fruit is broadly ovate, laterally compressed cremocarp

3 mm long with a small stylopod and the remains of the stigmas

Constituents

Coniine (alkaloid)
Uses

To treat cysts and tumors

Both men and women suffering from sexual problems may benefit from taking conium

Asafoetida / Asafetida ‫گنیہ‬


Asafoetida is the oleo-gum resin obtained by incising the living rhizomes and roots of Ferula asafoetida
and other species of Ferula (Fam. Umbelliferae)

Asafoetida is ill smelling, has offensive odor

It is also called ‘devil’s drug’

Physical properties of asafoetida


Soft, sometimes semiliquid mass

Irregular masses of agglutinated tears or as separate ovoid tears that range 1-4 cm in diameter

When fresh are tough, yellowish white and translucent

These tears change in color gradually to pinkish, violet-streaked and finally reddish brown

When dry, are hard and brittle

Internally the tears are milky white and opaque

Odor is persistently alliaceous; Taste is bitter, alliaceous and acrid

Asafoetida should be kept in closed bottles

Constituents

Volatile oil (4-20%)
• Main constituent of oil is isobutylpropanyl disulfide that is accompanied by a number of related
organic sulfides

Resin (40-65%)
• Consists of asaresinotannol, both free and combined with ferulic acid

Gum (25%)

Some terpenes

Page 9 of 24

Umbelliferone (in combined form)
Uses
  
Carminative Expectorant Laxative

Antispasmodic

Apocynaceae: Rauwolfia, Catharanthus

Rauwolfia ‫ندنچ یٹوھچ‬

Rauwolfia is the dried root of Rauvolfia serpentina (Fam. Apocynaceae)

Sometimes, fragments of rhizome and aerial stem bases are attached

• Rauwolfia (Drug name with “w”)

• Rauvolfia serpentina (Plant name, Rauvolfia with “v”)
Constituents

Alkaloids (indole alkaloids)
 H3CO N
N Reserpine
The principal alkaloids are;
H
• Reserpine OCH3
O O
• Rescinnamine
H3CO O OCH3
• Deserpidine C C

 OCH3
Other minor alkaloids are; OCH3

• Ajmaline, isoajmaline, rauwolfinine, serpentine, serpentinine, alstonine

Uses

Hypotensive agent; Has sedative activity
Catharanthus ‫راہب ادس‬

Catharanthus or vinca is the dried whole plant of Catharanthus roseus (Fam. Apocynaceae), formerly
designated Vinca rosea
Constituents

Alkaloids (indole alkaloids)

These alkaloids are present in two forms [1. Monomeric; 2. Dimeric]

Monomeric alkaloid forms;

• Ajmalicine
• Serpentine
• Tetrahydroalstonine

Page 10 of 24
 • Lochnerine OH
 N
C2H5

Dimeric alkaloid forms; Vinblastine: R = CH3

• Vinblastine Vincristine: R = CHO

• Vincristine
N COOCH3
N
• Vinleurosine
Indole H
• Vinrosidine
 C2H5
Anticancer property is found only in Dimeric alkaloids H3CO N COOCH3
 
500 kg catharanthus gives 1 g of vincristine HO COOCH3
Dihydroindole R

Uses

Vinblastine
• Used to treat a wide variety of neoplasms
• Generalized Hodgkin’s disease and choriocarcinoma resistant to other therapy

Vincristine
• To treat acute leukemia
• In combination therapy in Hodgkin’s disease

Asclepiadaceae: Gymnema sylvestre, Calotropisgigantea

Gymnema sylvestre

It is the leaf and root of Gymnema sylvestre (Fam. Asclepiadaceae)
Constituents

Gymnemic acid (a glycoside) 

Volatile oil



Albumin 
Uses 
 Antidiabetic   Emetic
Diuretic
 Expectorant  Stomachic
 Astringent
 Calotropis gigantea
Source: Calotropis gigantea (Fam. Asclepiadaceae)
Constituents

Leaf: Alkaloids, Glycosides

Root: Glycosides

Flowers: Beta-amyrin, Stigmasterol

Uses

Flowers: Stomachic, Antitussive, Anti-asthmatic

Milky juice: Purgative (gastrointestinal irritant)

Page 11 of 24

Roots: Used in lupus, Tuberculous leprosy, Syphilitic ulceration

Leaves: Used in external swellings

Asteraceae / Compositae: Artemisia, Silybum marianum, Echinaceae, Arctium lappa

Artemisia

Aerial parts of Artemisia annua (Fam. Asteraceae)

Plant is native to China

Constituents

Artemisinin (Sesquiterpene lactone)
Uses

Antimalarial (treating cases of chloroquine-resistant Plasmodium falciparum and particularly cerebral
malaria)

It was discovered by Tu Youyou, a Chinese scientist, who was awarded half of the 2015 Nobel Prize in
Medicine for her discovery
Silybum marianum / Milk thistle

It consists of the fruits of Silybum marianum (Fam. Asteraceae)
Constituents

Silymarin

Silybin

Silydianin

Uses

Hepatoprotective agent 
 Silliver® (Abbott) 

Echinaceae

It consists of the fresh or dried aerial parts of Echinacea purpurea (Fam. Asteraceae)
Constituents

Alkamides

Polyalkenes

Polyalkynes

caffeic acid derivatives

Polysaccharides

Uses

Orally: In supportive therapy for colds and infections of the respiratory and urinary tract by
stimulation of the immune response

External uses: Promotion of wound healing and treatment of inflammatory skin conditions
Page 12 of 24
 Arctium lappa / Burdock

Various parts of Arctium lappa (Fam. Asteraceae)
Constituents

Fatty acids, Organic acids, Phenolic acids

Lignans

Sesquiterpenes

Tannin

Inulin, Mucilage

Uses

As dermatological agent

Plant extract: Hypoglycemic

Roots: Inhibitory of tumor growth, Cardiac stimulant, Diuretic, Spasmolytic, Antibacterial

Leaves and seeds: Psoriasis, Eczema

Solanaceae: Belladonna, Hyoscyamus, Stramonium, Capsicum

Belladonna

Belladonna leaf, belladonna herb or deadly nightshade leaf consists of the dried leaf and flowering or
fruiting top of Atropa belladonna or of its variety acuminata (Fam. Solanaceae)

‘Atropa’ is from Greek ‘Atropos’, refers to the poisonous character of the drug

‘Belladonna’ is from two Italian words ‘bella’ meaning beautiful, ‘donna’ meaning lady. This probably
refers to the fact that, juice of the berry of plant when placed in the eyes, causes dilation of the pupils,
giving an outstanding appearance
Collection

The stems are cut about half way down when the fruits begin to form and the alkaloids are most
abundant (in June and July)

After rains or irrigation, the plant produces a second crop of leaves and flowers, which are gathered in
the fall

Herb crop is dried or partially dried and extracted with acidified water to obtain alkaloids

A fine grade of leaf is obtained by hand picking the leaves and drying them rapidly at rather low
temperatures and in the shade
Constituents

Alkaloids (tropane alkaloids)
• (–)-hyoscyamine (3/4th of the isolated alkaloid mixture)
• Atropine (1/4th of the isolated alkaloid mixture)

Page 13 of 24

Atropine is the racemic mixture of (–)-hyoscyamine and (+)-hyoscyamine. Atropine exists only in traces
in fresh plant. It is formed during extraction process.
Uses

Spasmolytic agent (due to parasympathetic depressant action)

To control excess motor activity of GIT and spasm of urinary tract (due to its anticholinergic properties)
Hyoscyamus

Hyoscyamus or henbane is the dried leaf, with or without the stem and flowering or fruiting top, of
Hyoscyamus niger (Fam. Solanaceae) O CH2OH
Constituents O N CH3 O C C
 H
Alkaloids (tropane alkaloids) Scopolamine (Hyoscine)
th O CH2OH
• (–)-hyoscyamine [3/4 of the isolated alkaloid mixture]
• Scopolamine (also called hyoscine) [in minor quantity] N CH3 O C C
H

Uses Hyoscyamine

Hyoscyamus is parasympatholytic, but the crude drug is rarely employed in medicine today

Stramonium

Stramonium, jimson weed or Jamestown weed consists of the dried leaf and flowering or fruiting tops
with branches of Datura stramonium (Fam. Solanaceae)
Constituents

Alkaloids (tropane alkaloids) 
• (–)-hyoscyamine [most abundant]
• Scopolamine/hyoscine [minor constituent]
Uses

Powdered stramonium is an ingredient in preparations that are intended to burn. The resultant vapor is
inhaled for the relief of asthma
Capsicum ‫چرم خرس‬

Capsicum, chillies or red pepper is the dried ripe fruit of Capsicum frutescens, C. annuum var. conoides,
C. annuum var. longum (Fam. Solanaceae)
Macroscopic characters

Chillies are oblong-conical in shape, 12-25 mm long and up to 7 mm wide

The five-toothed calyx and straight pedicel are together about 20-30 mm long

The pericarp is glabrous shriveled (shrunken/wrinkled) and orange red

Internally the fruits are divided into two cells by a membranous dissepiment (dividing tissue) to which
the seeds were originally attached

Pungent taste
Constituents
Page 14 of 24

Oleoresins
• Capsaicin (0.02%)
Extremely pungent principle. 1 part diluted with 11 million parts of water, even then gives pungent
taste

Other constituents: H CH(CH3)2

CH2NHCO(CH2)4
• Volatile oils (1.5%) C C
• Fixed oils H
Capsaicin
• Ascorbic acid (0.2%)
OCH3
• Carotenoids OH
Uses

Carminative

Stimulant

Condiment

Counter irritant (increase local blood flow)

Rubefacient (this character depends on pungency)

Scrophulariaceae: Digitalis, Verbascum

Digitalis

Digitalis or foxglove is the dried leaf of Digitalis purpurea (Fam. Scrophulariaceae)
Macroscopic characters

Digitalis leaves are usually ovate-lanceolate to broadly ovate in shape, petiolate and about l0-30 cm long
and 4-10 cm wide

The dried leaves are of a dark greyish-green color

The lamina is decurrent at the base; apex subacute

The margin is crenate or dentate and most of the teeth show a large water pore

Both surfaces are hairy, particularly the lower, and a fringe of fine hairs is found on the margin

The veins are depressed on the upper surface but very prominent on the lower

The drug has no marked odor, but a distinctly bitter taste

Constituents

Cardioactive glycosides
• Primary glycosides (Purpurea glycoside A, Purpurea glycoside B, Glucogitaloxin)
• Secondary glycosides (Digitoxin, gitoxin, gitaloxin)

Secondary glycosides are derived from primary glycosides, on drying, by enzyme degradation

Only secondary glycosides are therapeutically active

Uses
Page 15 of 24

To treat;
• CCF
• Supraventricular tachycardia
• Atrial flutter
• Atrial fibrillation
Digitalis lanata

Digitalis lanata or Grecian foxglove is a crude drug which consists of the dried leaf of Digitalis lanata
(Fam. Scrophulariaceae)
Constituents

Cardioactive glycosides
• Primary glycosides (Lanatoside A, B, C, D, E)
• Secondary glycosides (Digitoxin, digoxin)
Digoxin is present only in Digitalis lanata
Digitoxin

Digitoxin is a cardiotonic glycoside obtained from D. purpurea, D. lanata and from other suitable
species of Digitalis (Fam. Scrophulariaceae)
Digoxin
 Digoxin is a cardiotonic glycoside obtained from D. lanata (Fam. Scrophulariaceae); Lanoxin® (GSK)
Uses

Almost same as that of digitalis 
Verbascum

Aerial parts of Verbascum thapsus (Fam. Scrophulariaceae)
Constituents

Saponins

Thapsuines A and B

Hydroxythapsuines A and B

Varatric acid

5-ethoxymethyl furfural

Saikogenin

Alpha-spinasterol

Iridoids

Aucubin

Catalpol

Rotenone

Uses

Page 16 of 24

Herb: Soothing and relaxant for irritable respiratory conditions like asthma, Demulcent,
Antispasmodic, Mild sedative

Flower extract: Influenza and herpes simplex virus

Labiatae: Peppermint, Thyme, Spearmint, Salvia, Ocimum

Peppermint ‫ہنیدوپ‬

Peppermint consist of the dried leaf and flowering top of Mentha piperita (Fam. Labiatae)
Constituents

Volatile oil
• (–)-menthol [major constituent]
• Menthyl acetate
• Menthone

Resin
OH O OCOCH3

Tannin

Uses Menthol Menthone Menthyl acetate


Flavoring agent

Carminative

As medicine, it has been replaced by peppermint oil

• Stimulant
• Counter irritant
• In chewing gums, tooth pastes
 Flavoring agent in Phillips Milk of Magnesia®
Thyme

It consists of the dried leaves and flower tops of Thymus vulgaris (Fam. Labiatae)
Constituents

Volatile oil
• Thymol
• Amyl alcohol
• Linalool
• Geraniol

Saponins

Ursolic acid

Caffeic acid

Tannins

Resin

Page 17 of 24
Uses

Germicidal 

Dried thyme is spread in clothes to repel insects



Flavoring agent

Spearmint

Spearmint consist of the dried leaf and flowering top of Mentha spicata (common spearmint) or of M.
cardiaca (Scotch spearmint) (Fam. Labiatae)
Constituents
 O
Volatile oil
• (–)-carvone (major constituent)

Resin
 
Tannin Carvone
Uses

Flavoring agent 

Carminative


Salvia

Leaves of Salvia officinalis (Fam. Labiatae)
Constituents

Volatile oil, Flavonoids, Phenolic acids, A condensed catechin
Uses

Astringent, Anti-inflammatory, Carminative, Antispasmodic, Antiseptic

For inflammations of the mucous membranes of nose and throat, applied topically

Its volatile oil is used in perfumes as a deodorant and for the treatment of thrush and gingivitis

The herb is used in tooth powders, mouth washes, gargles, poultices and hair tonics
Ocimum

Leaves and essential oi obtained from Ocimum sanctum (Fam. Labiatae)
Constituents

Volatile oil: Eugenol, Carvacrol, Nerol, Eugenolmethylether

Leaves: Ursolic acid, Apigenin, Luteolin

Uses

Leaf: Carminative, Stomachic, Antispasmodic, Antiasthmatic, Antirheumatic, Expectorant, Stimulant,
Hepatoprotective, Antipyretic

Seed: Used in genitourinary diseases, in psychological disorders (including fear-psychosis and obsessions)

Root: Antimalarial

Essential oil: Antibacterial, Antifungal

Page 18 of 24
 Liliaceae: Garlic, Colchicum, Aloe
Garlic ‫نسہل‬

Garlic is the ripe bulb of Allium sativum (Fam. Liliaceae)
Constituents

Allicin (responsible for the odor of garlic)

Other constituents: Alliin, Volatile oil, Fatty oil, Mucilage and Albumin

Uses

Carminative

Aphrodisiac

Expectorant

Stimulant

Used in fever, respiratory diseases such as bronchitis, asthma, whooping cough and tuberculosis

Used in hypertension

Colchicum

Colchicum seed is the dried, ripe seed of Colchicum autumnale (Fam. Liliaceae)

Colchicum corm is the dried corm of the same species

Macroscopic characters of seeds


The seeds are ovoid or globular in shape and 2 3 mm in diameter

They are extremely hard and have a reddish brown, minutely pitted testa

During drying the seeds darken in color and become covered with a sugary exudation

Macroscopic characters of corm


The corms are 2-3 cm in diameter

The epidermal surface is cinnamon-brown and slightly wrinkled

The interior is white and starchy, and if carefully smoothed, shows scattered fibrovascular bundles

The drug breaks with a short mealy fracture

 O
The odor is much less marked than in the fresh drug H3CO
 Taste is bitter NH C CH3

Constituents H3CO
OCH3
 Colchicine (Protoalkaloid) O
Uses Colchicine
OCH3
 Source of colchicine [Colchicine is gout suppressant]

Aloe ‫ لدنگ اونک‬/ ‫ربصم‬

Page 19 of 24

Aloe is the dried latex of the leaves of Aloe barbadensis (A. vera), or of A. ferox and hybrids of this
species with A. Africana and A. spicata (Fam. Liliaceae)

Drug obtained from Aloe barbadensis (A. vera) is known in commerce as Curacao aloe

Drug obtained from A. ferox and hybrids of this species with A. Africana and A. spicata is known in
commerce as Cape aloe

Curacao aloe is superior to Cape aloe
Macroscopic characters

Aloe occurs as opaque masses

These masses range from reddish black to brownish black to dark brown in color

Taste is nauseating and bitter OHO OH

Odor is characteristic and disagreeable
Constituents
Anthraquinone glycosides HOH2C CH2OH
O
• Barbaloin OH
Uses HO Barbaloin
OH
Cathartic

Zingiberaceae: Ginger, Curcuma

Ginger / Zingiber ‫کر دا‬/‫ھٹنوس‬

Ginger is the dried rhizome of Zingiber officinale (Fam. Zingiberaceae)

The outer cortical layers are often either partially or completely removed

Constituents
 CH3
Volatile oil (1-3%)
• Containing zingiberene, zingiberol, bisabolene (sesquiterpenes)
H3C
This volatile oil is responsible for characteristic aroma of ginger
Zingiberene
 H3C CH3
Oleoresin
• Containing zingerone and shogaol (aromatic ketones)
O
This oleoresin is responsible for characteristic pungency of ginger CH
 2 CH2 C CH3
Starch (more than 50%) Zingerone
Uses
 OCH3
Ginger is used as;
OH
• Flavoring agent
• Carminative
• Anti-emetic
• Condiment

Page 20 of 24

Ginger oleoresin has same properties as that of ginger

Much of the ginger consumed in the present day market is used in the manufacture of ginger ale (ginger

flavored soft drinks)

)17 ‫ رھدالۃروس) یگ وہ شزیمآ یک ھٹنوس ںیم سج یگ ۓاج یئالپ (یھب) بارش (کاپ) یسیا وک ںا (ںیم تنج)ںاہو روا‬: ‫تی آ‬

Turmeric / Curcuma ‫یدلہ‬


Curcuma or turmeric is the prepared rhizome of Curcuma longa (Fam. Zingiberaceae)

Fresh plant material is treated by scalding or boiling prior to drying

Macroscopic characters

The primary rhizomes are ovate or pear-shaped and are known as 'bulb' or 'round' turmeric, while the
more cylindrical secondary lateral rhizomes are about 4-7 cm long and 1-1.5 cm wide

Lateral rhizomes are known as 'fingers' and contain mole yellow coloring matter than the bulb

Turmeric has an aromatic odour and a warm somewhat bitter taste

Constituents

Curcuminoids (coloring materials)
• Curcumin

Volatile oil
Uses

Curcumin is broad spectrum antimicrobial

Curcuma is used as coloring agent and condiment in curry powders and pickles

It also has been employed to stimulate biliary secretions and treat gallstone

Page 21 of 24
 Drug Plant name Part used Chemical class Chemical constituents Uses
Ranunculanceae
Aconitum Aconitum napellus Dried root Alkaloids Aconitine Poison, In antineuralgic liniment
Denudatine, Denudatidine, Condelphine.
Alkaloids Astringent, Vulnerary, Deobstruent. Used for painful piles,
Larkspur Delphinium denudatum Dried root Campesterol, Stigmasterol, Sitosterol,
Sterols Muscular atrophy, Gout, As a nervine tonic
Cholesterol
Nervine and sedative; Antispasmodic; Used for amenorrhea,
Anemone obtusiloba Ranunculin (unstable glycoside)
Pulsatilla Aerial parts --- inflammation of ovaries, painful menstruation and genitourinary
(A. pulsatilla) Anemonin
infections; Topically for infectious diseases of the skin
Hydrastis Hydrastis canadensis Dried rhizome and roots Isoquinoline alkaloids Hydrastine, Berberine, Canadine To check uterine hemorrhage, As a bitter stomachic
Papaveraceae
Opium Air dried milky exudate Morphine, Codeine, Noscapine, Papaverine,
Papaver somniferum Isoquinoline alkaloids Narcotic analgesic, Hypnotic, Checks excessive peristalsis
‫می فا‬ obtained of capsules Thebaine
Isoquinoline alkaloids Sanguinarine, Chelerythrine, Protopine, Stimulant, Expectorant, Emetic
Sanguinaria Sanguinaria canadensis Dried rhizome
Allocryptopine
Leguminosae
Acacia Acacia senegal Dried, gummy exudate from Polysaccharides Arabin Emulsifying and suspending agent, Emollient, Demulcent,
the stems and branches Adhesive and binder in tablet granulation
Glycyrrhiza Glycyrrhiza glabra Demulcent, Expectorant, To treat peptic ulcer, Flavoring and
G. glabra var. Dried rhizome and roots Saponin glycosides Glycyrrhizin, Glucose, Mannitol, Starch
‫ی ھ ٹل م‬ sweeting agent, Surfactant, Anti-inflammatory agent
glandulifera
Senna Cassia acutifolia Anthraquinone
Dried leaflet Sennoside A, B, C and D Cathartic
‫ی کم ا ں س‬ C. angustifolia glycosides
Cassia Anthraquinone
Cassia fistula Dried ripe fruit Rhein Cathartic
‫ساتلما‬ glycosides
Tamarind
Tamarindus indica Partially dried fruit Organic acids Citric acid, Tartaric acid Laxative, Antipyretic
‫یلما‬
Umbelliferae
Fennel
Foeniculum vulgare Dried ripe fruit Volatile oil Anethole, (+)-fenchone, (+)-α-pinene Flavoring agent, Carminative
‫ فنو س‬Carum
‫ہری ز‬ Carum carvi Volatile oil
Dried ripe fruit Carvone, Limonene Flavoring agent, Carminative
Coriander
‫ہینھد‬ (+)-linalool (coriandrol), Limonene, γ-
Coriandrum sativum Dried ripe fruit Volatile oil Flavoring agent, Carminative
Conium terpinene, p-cymene, α-pinene
Asafoetida Conium maculatum Dried unripe fruit Alkaloid Coniine Anticancer, Sexual problems
‫گنیہ‬ Oleo-gum resin of rhizome Volatile oil (isobutylpropanyl disulfide), Resin
Ferula asafoetida Oleo-gum resins Carminative, Expectorant, Laxative, Antispasmodic
and roots (asaresinotannol), Gum
Rauwolfia Apocynaceae
‫ںدںچ یٹوھچ‬ Reserpine, Rescinnamine, Deserpidine,
Rauwolfia serpentina Dried root Indole alkaloids Ajmaline, Isoajmaline, Rauwolfinine, Hypotensive agent, Sedative
Catharanthus Serpentine, Serpentinine, Alstonine
‫راہب ادس‬ Vinblastine, Vincristine, Vinleurosine,
Catharanthus roseus Dried whole plant Indole alkaloids Anticancer
Vinrosidine

Asclepiadaceae
Gymnema Antidiabetic, Diuretic, Emetic, Expectorant, Astringent,
Gymnema sylvestre Leaf and Root --- Gymnemic acid, Volatile oil, Albumin
sylvestre Stomachic

Page 22 of 24
 Leaf: Alkaloids, Glycosides Flowers: Stomachic, Antitussive, Anti-asthmatic
Calotropis Leaf, Root, Flower, Root: Glycosides Milky juice: Purgative (gastrointestinal irritant)
Calotropis gigantea ---
gigantea Milky juice Flowers: Beta-amyrin, Stigmasterol Roots: Used in lupus, Tuberculous leprosy, Syphilitic ulceration
Leaves: External swellings
Asteraceae / Compositae
Artemisia Artemisia annua Aerial parts Sesquiterpene lactone Artemisinin Antimalarial
Silybum
Silybum marianum Fruit --- Silymarin Hepatoprotective
marianum
Polyalkenes, Polyalkynes, Caffeic acid Colds and infections of the respiratory and urinary tract; Wound
Echinaceae Echinacea purpurea fresh or dried aerial parts ---
derivatives healing
As dermatological agent
Fatty acids, Organic acids, Phenolic acids,
Plant extract: Hypoglycemic
Lignans, Sesquiterpenes, Tannin, Inulin,
Arctium lappa Arctium lappa Leaf, Root, Seed --- Roots: Inhibitory of tumor growth, Cardiac stimulant, Diuretic,
Mucilage
Spasmolytic, Antibacterial
Leaves and seeds: Psoriasis, Eczema
Solanaceae
Belladonna Dried leaf and flowering or Spasmolytic agent, to control excess motor activity of GIT and
Atropa belladonna Tropane alkaloids (–)-hyoscyamine, Atropine
fruiting top spasm of urinary tract
Dried leaf, with or without
Parasympatholytic, but the crude drug is rarely employed in
Hyoscyamus Hyoscyamus niger the stem and flowering or Tropane alkaloids (–)-hyoscyamine, Scopolamine/hyoscine
medicine today
fruiting top
Dried leaf and flowering or
Stramonium Datura stramonium Tropane alkaloids (–)-hyoscyamine, Scopolamine/hyoscine Burnt vapors are inhaled for the relief of asthma
fruiting tops with branches
Capsicum frutescens
Capsicum C. annuum var. Capsaicin, Volatile oils, Fixed oils, Ascorbic
Dried ripe fruit Oleoresins Carminative, Stimulant, Counter irritant, Rubefacient, Condiment
‫چرم خرس‬ conoides acid, Carotenoids
C. annuum var. longum
Scrophulariaceae
Digitalis
Digitalis purpurea Dried leaf Cardiac glycosides Digitoxin, Gitoxin, Gitaloxin To treat CCF
Saponins, Thapsuines A and B,
Hydroxythapsuines A and B, Varatric acid, 5-
Herb: Soothing and relaxant for irritable respiratory conditions like
ethoxymethyl furfural, Saikogenin, Alpha-
Verbascum Verbascum thapsus Aerial parts --- asthma, Demulcent, Antispasmodic, Mild sedative
spinasterol, Iridoids, Aucubin, Catalpol,
Flower extract: Influenza and herpes simplex virus
Rotenone

Labiatae
Peppermint
Mentha piperita Dried leaf and flowering top Volatile oil (–)-menthol, Menthyl acetate, Menthone Flavor, Carminative, In chewing gums, In tooth pastes
‫ہ ن ید و پ‬
Thyme Thymus vulgaris Dried leaf and flowering top Volatile oil Thymol, Amyl alcohol, Linalool, Geraniol Germicidal, Flavoring agent
Spearmint Mentha spicata Dried leaf and flowering top Volatile oil (–)-carvone Flavor, Carminative
Astringent, Anti-inflammatory, Carminative, Antispasmodic,
Antiseptic
Volatile oil, Flavonoids, Phenolic acids, A For inflammations of the mucous membranes of nose and throat,
applied topically
Salvia Salvia officinalis Leaf, Volatile oil --- condensed catechin
Its volatile oil is used in perfumes as a deodorant and for the
treatment of thrush and gingivitis
The herb is used in tooth powders, mouth washes, gargles, poultices
and hair tonics

Page 23 of 24
 Leaf: Carminative, Stomachic, Antispasmodic, Antiasthmatic,
Antirheumatic, Expectorant, Stimulant, Hepatoprotective,
Volatile oil, Ursolic acid, Apigenin, Luteolin
Ocimum Ocimum sanctum Leaf and volatile oil --- Antipyretic
Seed: Used in genitourinary diseases, in psychological disorders
Essential oil: Antibacterial, Antifungal
Liliaceae
Garlic Carminative, Aphrodisiac. Used in fever, respiratory diseases,
Allium sativum Bulb --- Allicin
‫ں س ہل‬ hypertension
Colchicum Colchicum autumnale Dried, ripe seed Alkaloidal amines Colchicine Gout suppressant
Aloe barbadensis (A. Anthraquinone
Aloe Dried latex of leaves Barbaloin Cathartic
vera), A. ferox glycosides
Zingiberaceae
Ginger Zingerone, Shogaol, Volatile oil (Zingiberene,
Zingiber officinale Dried rhizome Oleoresins Flavor, Carminative, Anti-emetic, Aromatic stimulant, Condiment
‫کردا‬/‫ھٹنوس‬ zingiberol, bisabolene), Starch
Curcuma Broad spectrum antimicrobial, Employed to stimulate biliary
Curcuma longa Prepared rhizome --- Curcumin, Volatile oil
‫یدلہ‬ secretions and treat gallstone

Read Book (not notes) if you want to be a Good Professional

Talal Shaheer ♦ Talalshaheer@yahoo.com

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