Pharmacognosy & Phytochemistry II

Citral: Isolation, Identification, and Analysis of Phytoconstituents

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Introduction The study of phytoconstituents, particularly terpenoids like citral, holds immense importance in the field of phytochemistry and natural product pharmacology. Citral is a lemon-scented aldehyde widely distributed in the essential oils of several medicinal and aromatic plants. It is primarily known for its flavoring, fragrance, and therapeutic applications in the food, cosmetic, and pharmaceutical … Read more

Menthol: Isolation, Identification, Analysis of Phytoconstituents

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Introduction of Menthol Menthol, a naturally occurring cyclic monoterpene alcohol, is one of the most important phytoconstituents found in various species of the Mentha genus, such as Mentha arvensis and Mentha piperita. This biologically active compound is widely used in the pharmaceutical, food, cosmetic, and oral hygiene industries due to its characteristic cooling and soothing … Read more

Carotenoids: Introduction, Composition, Chemistry, Bio-Sources etc

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1. Introduction of Carotenoids Carotenoids are a class of naturally occurring pigments found in plants, algae, fungi, and bacteria. They play a crucial role in photosynthesis, providing photoprotection and contributing to plant coloration. In humans, carotenoids act as antioxidants and precursors to essential vitamins, particularly vitamin A. There are over 600 known carotenoids, categorized into … Read more

Taxus: Introduction, Composition, Chemistry, Bio-Sources, Therapeutic Uses

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1. Introduction of Taxus Taxus, commonly known as yew, is a genus of coniferous trees and shrubs belonging to the Taxaceae family. Notable species include Taxus baccata (European yew), Taxus brevifolia (Pacific yew), and Taxus cuspidata (Japanese yew). Taxus is widely recognized for its medicinal properties, particularly for producing paclitaxel (Taxol), a highly effective chemotherapy … Read more

Artemisia: Introduction, Composition, Chemistry, Bio-Sources etc

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1. Introduction of Artemisia Artemisia is a large genus of plants belonging to the Asteraceae family, comprising over 500 species distributed worldwide. Notable species include Artemisia annua, Artemisia absinthium, and Artemisia vulgaris. Artemisia has been widely used in traditional medicine for its antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and antimalarial properties. Artemisia annua is particularly renowned for its role … Read more

Gentian: Introduction, Composition, Chemistry, Bio-Sources, Therapeutic Uses, and Commercial Applications

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1. Introduction of Gentian Gentian refers to a group of plants belonging to the Gentianaceae family, primarily the Gentiana species. These plants are well known for their intense bitterness, which has been utilized in herbal medicine, digestive tonics, and alcoholic beverages for centuries. The roots of Gentian species, particularly Gentiana lutea, are highly valued for … Read more

Bitter almond: Introduction, Composition, Chemistry, Bio-Sources, Therapeutic Uses, and Commercial Applications

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1. Introduction of Bitter almond Bitter almond (Prunus dulcis var. amara) is a variety of almond known for its distinct bitter taste and high amygdalin content. Unlike sweet almonds, bitter almonds contain cyanogenic glycosides, which release hydrogen cyanide upon enzymatic hydrolysis. While toxic in large quantities, bitter almonds have been historically used for medicinal, flavoring, … Read more

Aloes: Introduction, Composition, Chemistry, Bio-Sources etc

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1. Introduction of Aloes Aloes, derived from the genus Aloe, belong to the family Asphodelaceae. The most widely recognized species is Aloe vera, renowned for its medicinal and cosmetic applications. Aloes have been used for centuries in traditional medicine, particularly in Ayurveda, Chinese, and Western herbal medicine. The plant is valued for its bioactive compounds, … Read more

Senna: Introduction, Composition, Chemistry, Bio-Sources etc

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1. Introduction of Senna Senna is a well-known medicinal plant belonging to the genus Senna in the family Fabaceae. The most commonly used species are Senna alexandrina (also known as Cassia senna or Cassia angustifolia), widely recognized for its potent laxative properties. It has been used in traditional medicine for centuries, particularly in Ayurvedic, Unani, … Read more

Colophony: Introduction, Composition, Chemistry, Bio-Sources, Therapeutic Uses, and Commercial Applications 1. Introduction

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1. Introduction to Colophony Colophony, also known as rosin, is a natural resin obtained from pine trees (Pinus species). It is a brittle, translucent substance that is primarily composed of resin acids and is widely used in adhesives, coatings, inks, and pharmaceuticals. Colophony has a long history of industrial and medicinal applications, particularly for its … Read more