Botany: Cassia Senna Leaves

Podcast

Play an AI-generated podcast conversation about this lesson

Questions and Answers

What is the purpose of adding H2O2 in the Modified Borntrager's test?

To increase the pH of the mixture

To acidify the mixture

To break the dianthrone link (correct)

To precipitate the sennosides

What is the effect of Senna on water absorption in the colon?

Increases water secretion

Has no effect on water absorption

Inhibits water absorption (correct)

Stimulates water absorption

What is Senna used to treat?

Chronic constipation

Acute diarrhea

Irritable bowel syndrome

Acute constipation (correct)

Why is Senna contraindicated in chronic constipation?

Causes gripping due to disturbance of electrolyte balance Signup and view all the answers

Who should not be given Senna?

Pregnant women and children under 12 years Signup and view all the answers

What is the outcome of the Modified Borntrager's test for sennosides?

Rose red color in the aqueous layer Signup and view all the answers

What is the characteristic of the epidermal cells in the given plant?

They are covered with smooth cuticle Signup and view all the answers

What type of vascular bundle is present in the midrib?

Crescent shaped collateral Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of the crystal sheath?

To store calcium oxalate Signup and view all the answers

What is the percentage of anthraquinone in the plant?

2.5% Signup and view all the answers

What type of stomata is present in the epidermal cells?

Paracytic stomata Signup and view all the answers

What is the characteristic of the mesophyll in the plant?

It is differentiated Signup and view all the answers

What is the shape of the hair present on the epidermal cells?

Curved Signup and view all the answers

What is the characteristic of the powder of the plant?

It is mucilagenous and bitter in taste Signup and view all the answers

What is the family of the Senna plant?

Leguminosae Signup and view all the answers

What is the characteristic of the packing of Alexandrian Senna?

Loosely packed in mates or bales Signup and view all the answers

What is the colour of the ether extract of Alexandrian Senna powder under daylight?

Pink Signup and view all the answers

What is the shape of the leaflets of Senna leaves?

Polygonal Signup and view all the answers

What is the characteristic of the anticlinal walls of the upper surface of Senna leaves?

Nearly straight Signup and view all the answers

What is the type of stomata found in Senna leaves?

Paracytic Signup and view all the answers

What is the characteristic of the hairs found on the upper surface of Senna leaves?

Non-glandular Signup and view all the answers

What is the characteristic of the cuticle of the upper surface of Senna leaves?

Smooth Signup and view all the answers

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

Studying That Suits You

Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.

Description

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.