Pharmacognosy: Starches

• Study notes for Pharmacognosy exam.

Amylum (Starches)

• Examines different types of starches microscopically and macroscopically.
• Starches look different under the microscope and to the naked eye.

Amylum manihot (Manihot utilissima)

• Also known as cassava starch.
• The grains are round in shape when viewed under a microscope.
• Appears as a flour-like, rough, and white powder.

Amylum oryzae (Oryza sativa)

• Also known as rice starch.
• In powder form, similar to milk though is not as yellow as tritici.

Amylum solanum (Solanum tuberosum)

• Also known as potato starch.
• Has a shell-like appearance under a microscope.
• Appears as a white powder containing particles.

Amylum maydis (Zea mays)

• Also known as corn starch.
• Appears as square/abstract shapes under a microscope.
• When in powder form appears as a very rough white flour.

Amylum tritici (Triticum vulgare)

• Also known as wheat starch.
• Under a microscope, reveals a combination of oval hilum and lamella.
• The powder form is very yellow and has a texture like milk.

Herba (Herbs)

• Focuses on the herb Andrographis paniculata, also known as Sambiloto.

Andrographis Herba (Andrographis paniculata)

• Considered Sambiloto, this medication is dark green and black in color.

Folium (Leaves)

• Examines various leaves under a microscope and to the naked eye.

Piperis betle folium (Piper betle)

• Also known as betel leaf, sirih leaf
• Appears as a slightly yellowish, soft brown substance

Blumea Folium (Blumea balsamifera)

• Also known as Sembung leaves.

Lochnerae folium (Lochnera rosea, Vinca rosea)

• Also known as tapak dara leaves.

Abri folium (Abrus precatorius)

• Also known as saga leaves.

Psidi Folium (Psidium guajava)

• Also known as guava leaves.
• The color is reddish-brown or brick-like.