Chemistry of Crude Drugs

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Questions and Answers

What is a characteristic feature of gums extracted from plants?

They are formed from proteins.

They are insoluble in water.

They have a high alcohol solubility.

They are a viscous secretion that hardens on drying. (correct)

Which type of tannins gives a bluish-black color when reacted with FeCl3?

Hydrolysable tannins (correct)

Condensed tannins

Polyphenolic tannins

Phenolic acids

What is one of the therapeutic uses of tannins?

Astringent in gastrointestinal treatment (correct)

Antiseptic in wound care

Stimulant for respiratory issues

Diuretic for kidney health

Which of the following statements about mucilages is accurate?

They form a viscous colloid in water. Signup and view all the answers

What is a common test used to identify mucilages?

Ruthenium red or methylene blue test Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes volatile oils?

They are odoriferous principles found in plants. Signup and view all the answers

Condensed tannins can yield which of the following upon decomposition?

Red insoluble phlobaphene Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the economic importance of tannins?

Manufacture of dyes and ink Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic feature of volatile oils compared to fixed oils concerning their chemical composition?

They consist of different types of hydrocarbons and oxygenated compounds. Signup and view all the answers

How do volatile oils typically behave when exposed to air and light during storage?

They undergo resinification. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements accurately describes the detection method for both volatile and fixed oils?

Both types of oils give a red color with Sudan III. Signup and view all the answers

What happens when a filter paper is stained with volatile oil compared to fixed oil?

Volatile oil does not leave a persistent stain. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a use of volatile oils?

Serving as reserve food material in seeds. Signup and view all the answers

Which best describes the occurrence of volatile oils?

Located in the cell cavity and glandular hair. Signup and view all the answers

In terms of soap formation, which statement is true?

Fixed oils usually exhibit positive soap formation. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary reason for the difference in volatility between volatile oils and fixed oils?

Volatile oils consist of lighter hydrocarbons and oxygenated compounds. Signup and view all the answers

What are primary metabolites primarily associated with?

Nutritional value for humans Signup and view all the answers

Which test is used to identify the presence of starch?

Blue color with iodine Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is classified as a secondary metabolite?

Tannins Signup and view all the answers

Where is protein primarily found in plants?

As aleurone grains in seeds Signup and view all the answers

Which of these is NOT a use of fixed oils and fats?

Nutritive vitamins and minerals Signup and view all the answers

What are fixed oils and fats primarily composed of?

Esters of long chain fatty acids Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following compounds produces a red color with Sudan III?

Fixed oils and fats Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements about primary metabolites is FALSE?

They have specific functions. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Chemistry of Crude Drugs

Primary Metabolites (food storage products) are found in all plants with nutritional value
- Examples include:
  - Starch
    - Found as granules in storage organs like seeds, roots, and rhizomes
    - Chemical Test: Gives a blue color with iodine
    - Uses: Tablet formulation, skin emollient, dusting powder in cosmetics, antidote for iodine poisoning
  - Proteins
    - Found as aleurone grains in seeds
    - Chemical Test:
      - Red color with Millon's reagent
      - Yellow color with picric acid
  - Fixed oils and fats
    - Found as crystalline masses or oil drops in seeds
    - Chemical Test: Gives a red color with Sudan III
    - Uses: Nutritive, intramuscular injections, soaps, plasters, laxatives, demulcents, and emollients.
Secondary Metabolites (by-products of metabolism) have specific functions with pharmacological importance.
- Examples include:
  - Gums and Mucilages
    - Gums: Viscous secretions of trees that harden on drying, soluble in water
      - Examples: Gum acacia
    - Mucilages: Polysaccharide complexes that are insoluble in alcohol creating viscous colloids in water
      - Test: Ruthenium red (senna) or methylene blue (fenugreek)
  - Tannins
    - Water-soluble polyphenolic compounds with high molecular weight found throughout the plant kingdom
    - Types:
      - Hydrolysable tannins (pyrogallol tannins)
        
        Test:
        
        Blue-black color with FeCl3
        
        No precipitate with bromine water
        
        On heating with hydrochloric or sulfuric acids it yields gallic or ellagic acids producing carbohydrates and phenolic acids
        
        Examples: Cloves
      - Condensed tannins (catechol tannins)
        
        Test:
        
        Green color with FeCl3
        
        Precipitates with bromine water
        
        Decomposes into red, insoluble phlobaphene giving red color to the drugs
        
        Examples: Cinnamon, tea
    - Uses:
      - Astringent in the gastrointestinal tract (treatment of diarrhea)
      - Antioxidant (anti-cancer, anti-ulcer)
      - Hemostatic on skin cuts
      - Manufacture of dyes and ink
      - Tanning of leather
  - Volatile oils (essential or ethereal oils)
    - Odoriferous principles in plants consisting of volatile mixtures of hydrocarbons and oxygenated hydrocarbons
    - Secreted through cells, glands, ducts, and hairs
    - Test: Gives a red color with Sudan III
    - Uses: Flavoring agents, perfumery, spices, carminative, therapeutic (urinary tract antiseptic, anti-rheumatic)

Volatile Oil vs. Fixed Oil

Property: | Volatile Oil | Fixed Oil
Chemical Composition: | Different hydrocarbons & oxygenated compounds | Glyceryl esters of fatty acids
Occurrence: | Odoriferous plant structures like cells, cavities, glandular hairs | Seed and fruit as reserve food material
Detection: | Red color with Sudan III | Red color with Sudan III
Filter Paper Stain: | No persistent stain | Persistent and greasy stain
Volatilization: | Volatile | Non-volatile
Storage Action: | Resinification | Rancidity
Soap Formation: | Negative | Positive

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Description

Explore the chemistry of primary and secondary metabolites found in crude drugs. Learn about substances like starch, proteins, and fixed oils, along with their uses and chemical tests. This quiz covers essential concepts for understanding the chemical basis of plant materials.