Pharmacognosy: Unorganized Drugs Overview

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Questions and Answers

What is the continuous phase of the stable emulsion or suspension described?

Pure oil droplets

Aqueous solution of protein, sugars, and tannins (correct)

Fatty acid chains

Alcoholic solution of sugars and resins

What are the suspended particles in the described emulsion or suspension?

Tannin compounds

Sugar crystals

Oil droplets (correct)

Protein molecules

Which of the following components is NOT part of the continuous phase of the emulsion?

Tannins

Resin (correct)

Proteins

Sugars

Which statement best describes the overall composition of the stable emulsion?

It consists of an aqueous continuous phase with suspended oil droplets. Signup and view all the answers

In the context of the emulsion described, which of the following best explains the function of tannins?

They provide stability and prevent separation. Signup and view all the answers

What defines unorganized drugs?

They are derived from parts of plants or animals and do not consist of cells. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the physical state of unorganized drugs?

They are primarily in solid form, with some exceptions in liquid form. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following substances is considered an unorganized drug?

Honey Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes unorganized drugs from organized drugs?

Unorganized drugs are not made up of cellular structures. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT an example of an unorganized drug?

Vitamins derived from plants Signup and view all the answers

What active constituents are found in Sumatra Benzoin?

Cinnamic and benzoic acids Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the internal uses of Sumatra Benzoin?

As an expectorant Signup and view all the answers

In what products is Sumatra Benzoin commonly used?

Beverages, lotions, and perfumes Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT an active constituent of Sumatra Benzoin?

Benzoyl peroxide Signup and view all the answers

What type of acids does Sumatra Benzoin include in its constituents?

Triterpenoid acids Signup and view all the answers

Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Unorganized Drugs

Unorganized drugs are chemical substances derived from plant or animal parts, not cells.
They are commonly solid, but some are liquid (e.g., oils, honey).

Classification

Plant origin:
- Dried latex
- Dried juice
- Extracts
- Gums
- Resin & resin combination
- Balsams
Animal origin:
- Fixed oils
- Waxes
- Insects
- Venoms
- Others

Dried Latex

A stable emulsion or suspension.
The continuous phase is an aqueous solution of protein, sugars, tannins.
The suspended phase is oil droplets and resin.
Plays a role in plant defense mechanisms.
Found in laticiferous cells, tubes, or vessels.
Obtained by incision from the plant.
Opium is a dried latex from the opium poppy Papaver somniferum.

Active constituents of Opium

Contains approximately 30 alkaloids combined with meconic acid.
Phenanthrene alkaloids: morphine (9.5-20% when acetylated forms heroin), codeine (0.3-0.4% as methyl morphine), and thebaine.
Benzylisoquinoline alkaloids: papaverine and narcotine (noscapine).
Phenylethylamine alkaloid: narceine.

Chemical tests for Morphine

Deniges test: 10 ml solution + 2 ml 3% H₂O₂ + 1 ml 10% NH₃ + 1 drop CuSO₄ = red color
Marquis test: Evaporate solution, add 1 drop formaldehyde + 1 ml H₂SO₄ = purple blue color

Chemical tests for Meconic acid

Solution + FeCl₃ = deep purple color
Not destroyed by boiling nor adding cold dilute HCl or mercuric chloride

Chemical tests for Papaverine (Warren's test)

0.5 mg papaverine + small crystal KMnO₄ + 0.2 ml Marquis reagent (2-3 drops of 40% formaldehyde + 3 ml conc. H₂SO₄) = green color rapidly changes to blue.

Uses of Opium Constituents

Morphine: Sedative, hypnotic, powerful narcotic analgesic for trauma, fractures, surgeries, and cancer pain.
Codeine & Narcotine: Antitussive (cough suppressant).
Papaverine: Antispasmodic for peripheral thrombosis, bronchial asthma, and myocardial infarction.

Dried Juice

Aqueous liquids with dissolved substances.
Found in cells or cavities.
Obtained by incision or cutting.
Aloes: solid residue from various Aloe species (e.g., Aloe ferox, Aloe barbadensis) after evaporating the juice.

Active constituents of Aloes

Anthraquinones (e.g., aloe-emodin, alomicin).
C-glycosides (e.g., barbaloin, isobarbaloin).
Polysaccharides and mucopolysaccharides.
Organic acids (e.g., tartaric, malic), amino acids, minerals.

Uses of Aloes

Purgative (anthraquinones): skin care, falling hair, dandruff, alopecia.
Antitumor (alomicin, mucopolysaccharides).
Hypotensive (mucopolysaccharides).
Antidiabetic (may be mucopolysaccharides).
Improves liver functions (mucopolysaccharides).
Emmenagogue (increases menstrual flow).

Extracts

Drugs prepared by evaporating aqueous decoctions of plant or animal organs.
Agar: extracted chiefly from red algae species of Gelidium, especially G. elegans and G. amansi (Family: Gelidiaceae).
Known as vegetable gelatin.

Active constituents of Agar

Calcium salt of a sulfuric acid ester of complex polysaccharide.
Hydrolyzed by boiling dilute HCl to yield galactose and sulfuric acid.
Contains small traces of proteins.

Chemical tests for Agar

Powder + I₂ = brick red particles (not blue).
Aqueous solution + dilute HCl, boil in water bath for 30 min, + BaCl₂ = white precipitate (test for sulfate).

Uses of Agar

Preparation of bacteriological culture media.
Passes through the intestines unchanged, absorbs water, promotes peristalsis, for treating constipation.

Gelatin

Mixture of reversible gel-forming proteins.
Obtained by boiling collagenous tissues (skin, tendons, ligaments, bones) with water.
Extract is decolorized, filtered, and concentrated into a solid form.

Active constituents of Gelatin

Proteins and peptides rich in essential amino acids obtained from collagen hydrolysis.

Chemical tests for Gelatin

Solution + mercuric nitrate (Millon's reagent) = brick red on warming.
Solution + picric acid = yellow precipitate.

Uses of Gelatin

Capsules, pill coatings, suppository bases.
Culture media in bacteriology.
Nutrient.

Balsams

Resinous mixtures with high benzoic or cinnamic acids or their esters.
Benzoin: balsamic resin from the stems of Styrax benzoin (Sumatra benzoin) and Styrax tonkinensis (Siam benzoin).

Active constituents of Sumatra Benzoin

Free cinnamic and benzoic acids and their esters.
Triterpenoid acids and vanillin.

Uses of Sumatra Benzoin

Internally as expectorant and antiseptic.
Ingredient in cosmetic lotions, drinks, perfumes.

Active components of Siam Benzoin

Coniferyl benzoate, coniferyl alcohol.
Traces of cinnamic acid, free benzoic acid.
Triterpenoid acids and vanillin.

Uses of Siam Benzoin

Mainly in perfumery.

Oleo-gum-resin Myrrh

Oleo-gum-resin from the stems and branches of Commiphora molmol.
Occurs in tears or masses varying in size and shape.

Active constituents of Myrrh

Volatile oil (7-17%): terpenes, sesquiterpenes, esters, cuminaldehyde, eugenol.
Resin (25-40%): sesquiterpenes.
Gum (57-61%): terpenes.
Impurities (3-4%).

Uses of Myrrh

Stimulant and antiseptic properties.
Oral hygiene (gargles, mouthwashes).
Uterine stimulant and emmenagogue.
Perfumery.

Fixed Oils (Cod-Liver Oil)

Fixed oil extracted from the fresh liver of Gadus morrhaua (cod).
Fish livers (50% oil) are removed, washed, sliced, and transferred to steamers for separation and storage at low temperatures.
Refined and standardized afterwards.

Active constituents of Cod-Liver Oil

Vitamin A and vitamin D.
Rich in omega-3 fatty acids (85%) and saturated fatty acids (15%).

Uses of Cod-Liver Oil

Nutritive, prevents rickets (vitamin D).
Treats xerophthalmia and night blindness (vitamin A).
Aids in skin conditions (acne).
Promotes heart health and joint health (unsaturated fatty acids).

Evening Primrose Oil

Fixed oil from the seeds of Oenothera spp.
High in unsaturated fatty acids: cis-linoleic acid (LA) and esterified gamma-linolenic acid (GLA).

Uses of Evening Primrose Oil

Precursor of prostaglandins for those lacking the enzymes converting LA to GLA.
Treats atopic eczema..
Treats premenstrual syndrome.

Other uses of Evening Primrose Oil

Rheumatoid arthritis.
Diabetic neuropathy
Dietary supplement, nutritional deficiencies (essential fatty acid).
Cosmetic purposes.

Honey

Nectar from flowers containing sucrose.
Bee saliva with invertase enzyme converts sucrose to invert sugar (mixture of glucose and fructose).
Best honey from clover and citrus blossoms.
Some honey types are known as poisonous honey (e.g., Datura stramonium).

Uses of Honey

Demulcent and sweetening agent.
Cough sedative and expectorant.
Antibacterial properties.
Stops bleeding (vitamin K content).
Ulcers, varicose veins, post-surgery.
Cod-liver oil and honey mixture treats infected wounds and burns.

Insects (Cochineal)

Dried female Dactylopius coccus insect.
Family: Coccidae.

Active constituents of Cochineal

Red colouring matter: carminic acid (C-glycoside) and carmine.

Uses of Cochineal

Coloring agent for toothpastes, tinctures, and food products (E 120 - Carmine).

Snakes Venom

Complex mixtures of toxic proteins.
Some proteins composed of amino acids with disulfide bridges.
Enzymes (e.g., phospholipase A2, phosphodiesterase).
Glycoproteins.

Effects of Snake Venom

Blocks acetylcholine release from nerve endings = neurotoxicity, cardiotoxicity.
Blocks muscle contraction and respiratory failure.
Gastrointestinal issues (excessive salivation, nausea, vomiting, gastric hyperdistension).

Treatment and Antidotes for Snake Venom

Anti-venom injections.
Symptomatic treatment (e.g., atropine, analgesics, cortisone).

Therapeutic Uses of Snake Venom

Enzyme phosphodiesterase as a molecular probe to study nucleotide sequences in nucleic acids.
Glycoprotein's immunosuppressive property for preventing organ transplant rejection.
Investigated for antiviral, antibacterial, and anticarcinogenic properties.

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Description

Explore the fascinating world of unorganized drugs derived from plant and animal origins. This quiz delves into classifications, specific constituents like dried latex, and the active components of opium. Perfect for students of pharmacognosy and herbal medicine.