22 Questions
What is the purpose of adding H2O2 in the Modified Borntrager's test?
To break the dianthrone link
What is the effect of Senna on water absorption in the colon?
Inhibits water absorption
What is Senna used to treat?
Acute constipation
Why is Senna contraindicated in chronic constipation?
Causes gripping due to disturbance of electrolyte balance
Who should not be given Senna?
Pregnant women and children under 12 years
What is the outcome of the Modified Borntrager's test for sennosides?
Rose red color in the aqueous layer
What is the characteristic of the epidermal cells in the given plant?
They are covered with smooth cuticle
What type of vascular bundle is present in the midrib?
Crescent shaped collateral
What is the function of the crystal sheath?
To store calcium oxalate
What is the percentage of anthraquinone in the plant?
2.5%
What type of stomata is present in the epidermal cells?
Paracytic stomata
What is the characteristic of the mesophyll in the plant?
It is differentiated
What is the shape of the hair present on the epidermal cells?
Curved
What is the characteristic of the powder of the plant?
It is mucilagenous and bitter in taste
What is the family of the Senna plant?
Leguminosae
What is the characteristic of the packing of Alexandrian Senna?
Loosely packed in mates or bales
What is the colour of the ether extract of Alexandrian Senna powder under daylight?
Pink
What is the shape of the leaflets of Senna leaves?
Polygonal
What is the characteristic of the anticlinal walls of the upper surface of Senna leaves?
Nearly straight
What is the type of stomata found in Senna leaves?
Paracytic
What is the characteristic of the hairs found on the upper surface of Senna leaves?
Non-glandular
What is the characteristic of the cuticle of the upper surface of Senna leaves?
Smooth
Study Notes
Senna Leaves
- Dried leaflets of Cassia acutifolia (Alexandrian or Khartoum Senna) and C. angustifolia (Indian Senna or Tinnevelly Senna)
- Family: Leguminosae (Fabaceae)
Leaf Characteristics
- Paripinnate leaflets
- Compound leaves are alternate
- Leaflets are opposite
Comparison between Alexandrian and Indian Senna
- Packing: Alexandrian Senna is loosely packed in mats or bales, while Indian Senna shows faint-oblique or transverse lines due to packing under pressure
- Chemical tests: Alexandrian Senna contains 6-hydroxymusizin glycoside, while Indian Senna contains Tinnevellin glycoside
Surface Preparation
- Upper surface: polygonal, nearly isodiametric, with smooth cuticle, paracytic stomata, and non-glandular hairs (warty hair)
- Lower surface: polygonal, slightly elongated, with smooth cuticle, paracytic stomata, and non-glandular hairs (warty hair)
Histology
- Isobilateral
- Mesophyll differentiated
- Palisade continuous over the midrib
- Midrib more prominent on the lower surface
- Crescent-shaped collateral vascular bundle with lignified pericyclic fibers accompanied by crystal sheath
- Crystal sheath: parenchyma cells sheathing a bundle of fibers, each containing a prism of Ca-oxalate
Powder
- Light green to greenish-yellow with a faint characteristic odor and mucilagenous slightly bitter taste
- Characteristics: epidermal cells with paracytic stomata, warty hairs, cluster crystals of calcium oxalate, and fragments of lignified spiral and annular xylem vessels
Active Constituents
- 2.5% anthraquinone: glycosides (e.g., sennoside A, B, C, and D) and 2-6-hydroxymusizin (naphthalene glycoside)
- Mucilage and resin
Modified Borntrager's Test
- Powdered Senna + alcoholic KOH → boil, dilute with water, add 2 drops of H2O2, filter, acidify with dilute HCl, shake with ether or benzene, separate the organic layer, add 2 ml of dilute NH4OH → rose red color in the aqueous layer
Action and Uses
- Senna inhibits water absorption from the colon and stimulates muscular coat of the intestine to produce peristalsis
- Laxative (in small dose) or purgative (in large dose) to treat acute constipation or for patients suffering from hemorrhoids, anal fissures, in x-rays examination, or before abdominal surgeries
Contraindications
- Chronic constipation
- Colitis
- Acute intestinal inflammation
- Appendicitis
- Abdominal pain of unknown origin
- Pregnancy and lactation
- Children under 12 years old
This quiz covers the characteristics of Cassia acutifolia (Alexandrian Senna) and C.angustifolia (Indian Senna) leaves, including their leaflets, compound leaves, and packing differences. Test your knowledge of these plant species.
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