Pharmacognosy 2 Lecture 6: Fruits

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Questions and Answers

What is a characteristic feature of the seed described?

It is large and spiny in appearance.

It is uniformly spherical and enclosed.

It has a flat shape with a curved embryo. (correct)

It is round in shape with a flat embryo.

Which color is associated with Powdered Capsicum?

Bright yellow

Pale purple

Orange red (correct)

Deep green

What is the descriptor for the scent of Powdered Capsicum?

Fruity and fresh

Earthy and pungent

Floral and sweet

Sternutaory (correct)

How is the inner structure of the seed organized?

Composed of outer and inner epidermis and endosperm Signup and view all the answers

What role do the membranous dissepiments play in the seed?

They connect the embryo to the seed coating. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary use of Aloe-emodin as mentioned?

Management of acute constipation cases Signup and view all the answers

In which situation is Aloe-emodin contraindicated?

For routine bowel maintenance Signup and view all the answers

Aloe-emodin may be particularly beneficial in which of the following conditions?

Immediate bowel clearance prior to abdominal surgery Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a reason to use Aloe-emodin?

Long-term treatment of constipation Signup and view all the answers

What are the two types of senna mentioned in the content?

Cassia acutifolia and Cassia angustifolia Signup and view all the answers

What family do Alexandrian senna pods and Tinnevelly senna pods belong to?

Leguminosae Signup and view all the answers

What is the duration of treatment recommended for Aloe-emodin?

Short-term for acute cases only Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is known as Alexandrian senna?

Cassia acutifolia Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary part used from the senna plants?

Dried ripe fruits Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is true regarding Cassia angustifolia?

It produces Tinnevelly senna pods. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of rhein anthrone as it relates to the digestive system?

It acts as a stimulant laxative on the colon Signup and view all the answers

In which part of the digestive system are sennosides primarily converted to active compounds?

The large intestine Signup and view all the answers

Why are sennosides not effective in the upper gut?

They are not absorbed there Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of microflora in relation to sennosides?

They metabolize sennosides into active aglycones Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements about sennosides is true?

They are converted by gut bacteria into active compounds Signup and view all the answers

What is the proposed benefit of Alkamide Guineesine?

Preventing and treating hypercholesterolemia Signup and view all the answers

Which regions are mentioned for the growth of specific plant species?

Indonesia, India, and the Philippines Signup and view all the answers

What type of inhibitor is Alkamide Guineesine characterized as?

Cholesterol acyltransferase inhibitor Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following conditions could potentially be addressed by targeting Alkamide Guineesine?

Hypercholesterolemia Signup and view all the answers

What health issue is associated with cholesterol acyltransferase inhibition?

Cardiovascular diseases Signup and view all the answers

What are the common side effects associated with the use of Senna?

Cramp and discomforts in the GIT Signup and view all the answers

What is a recommended action if a patient experiences gastrointestinal discomfort from Senna?

Reduce the dosage or supplement with Anise or Fennel Signup and view all the answers

What serious condition may result from chronic use of Senna?

Acute hepatitis and kidney issues Signup and view all the answers

Why are there concerns regarding long-term usage of Senna herbal tea for weight loss?

There are no enough scientific reports on its safety Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a suggested supplement to address side effects of Senna?

Peppermint Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Course Information

Academic Year: 2024/2025
Course: Pharmacognosy 2
Course Code: PG203
Lecture Number: 6
Topic: Fruits

Lecture Aims

Provide a comprehensive understanding of the structure, identification, and pharmacognostic importance of medicinal fruits.
Provide a fundamental understanding of fruit structure and classification in pharmacognosy.
Describe the macroscopic and microscopic features of fruits to differentiate between various types.
Classify fruits based on their development from different floral structures (true fruits, false fruits, composite fruits).

Lecture Competencies

Understand the basic structure of fruits (epicarp, mesocarp, endocarp) and their functions in fruit anatomy.
Recognize key macroscopic characteristics of fruits (shape, color, surface, scars).
Classify fruits into types (simple, aggregate, composite).
Differentiate between true fruits (derived from gynoecium) and false fruits (involving other floral parts).

Lecture Contents

Non-umbelliferous fruits:
- Capsicum Fruit
- Nigella
- Coffee beans (Calabar beans)
Introduction to fruits

Capsicum Fruit

Name: Capsici Fructus, Chillies, Cayenne Pepper
Origin: Dried ripe fruits of Capsicum minimum (Solanaceae)
Geographical Source: Southern India and South America, primarily Africa.

Capsaicinoids

Pungent principles (oil soluble): Capsaicin, 6,7-dihydrocapsaicin, nordihydrocapsaicin
Pungency is destroyed by oxidation (KMnO4 or K2Cr2O7).
Pungency is not destroyed by alkalis.
Gingerol is a pungent principle of Ginger destroyed by alkalis.

Other Components of Capsicum Fruit

Carotenoid pigments (antioxidant).
Steroid glycosides (capsicosides A, B, C, D).
Fixed oils and trace of volatile oil.
Fats, proteins, and vitamins A & C.

Uses (Capsicum Fruit)

External: Stimulant, counter-irritant, rubefacient; used in ointments, plasters, and medicated wool to relieve rheumatism and lumbago.
Internal: Condiment and spicy flavouring.

Mechanism of Action (Capsaicin)

Burning and painful sensations result from chemical interaction with sensory neurons.
Capsaicin (vanilloid family member) binds to vanilloid receptor subtype 1 (TRPV-1), a pain and heat receptor.

Treatment of Capsaicin Exposure

Ingestion: Cold milk is effective in relieving burning sensation due to the detergent effect of casein (milk protein) on capsaicin.

Internal Uses (Capsicum)

Atonic dyspepsia (indigestion and flatulence).
Increased metabolism of fats, reducing appetite and treating obesity.
Used in children for thumb-sucking and nail biting.

External Uses (other)

Form: Ointments and plasters.
Cases: Rheumatism, lumbago, and after Herpes zoster infections (postherpetic neuralgia).
Action: Pain controller and counter-irritant activity.
MOA of capsaicinoids: Depletion of substance P (neurotransmitter); reduced cutaneous hypersensitivity, pain relief through binding to vanilloid receptor subtype 1 (TRPV1)

Contraindications (External)

Application on injured skin.
Allergy to capsicum content (first application to a small area of skin).

Contraindications (Internal)

People with ulcers, heartburn, or gastritis.

Side Effects

Burning of the mouth and throat, runny nose (internal use).

Chemical Tests (Capsaicin)

Capsaicin + FeCl3: Bluish-green color
Capsaicin + H2SO4 + sucrose: Violet color after a few hours

Senna Pods

Name: Senna Fruit, Senna Fructus, also as Senna Legumes
Origin: Dried ripe fruits of Cassia acutifolia (Alexandrian senna pods) & Cassia angustifolia (Tinnevelly Senna Pods) (Leguminosae)
Other characteristics: Non-glandular trichome
Endocarp fiber + Ca oxalate prisms (Crystal Sheath)

Active Constituents (Senna Pods)

Hydroxyanthracene glycosides (Sennosides A-D) are located primarily in the pericarp.
Flavonoids (specifically derivatives of kaempferol and isorhamnetin)
Mucilage (galactose, galacturonic acid, and arabinose)
Sugars (glucose, fructose, and sucrose)

Action and Uses (Senna Pods)

Treat short-term constipation (acute cases such as anal fissures, hemorrhoids, after recto-anal operations, bowel clearance before X-ray or abdominal surgery).

Mechanism of Action (Senna Pods)

Sennosides are not absorbed in the upper gut but are converted by the large intestinal microflora into aglycones (mainly rhein anthrone), stimulating laxative effects on the colon.

Contra-indications (Senna Pods)

Long-term constipation treatment.
Chronic use or abuse can lead to electrolyte imbalance (K deficiency), disorders of heart function and muscular weakness.
Avoid use with cardiac glycosides and diuretics (due to electrolyte disturbance).
Intestinal obstruction, abdominal pain, acute intestinal inflammation (colitis, appendicitis).
Children under 12 years old
Pregnancy and lactation (due to possible side effects)

Other (Senna Pods)

Side effects; Cramps and discomfort in the gastrointestinal tract may lead to dose reduction or addition with fennel or anise supplements.
Possible liver and kidney effects from chronic use.

(Specific information about each topic will be added as data becomes available from provided text).

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Description

This quiz covers Pharmacognosy 2, specifically Lecture 6 focusing on fruits. You will learn about the structure, classification, and pharmacognostic significance of medicinal fruits, along with their macroscopic and microscopic features. Test your knowledge on differentiating between types of fruits and their anatomical details.