Microscopy of Rauwolfia

The presentation covers microscopic characteristics of Rauwolfia. The transverse section, powder microscopy, micro-chemical tests and chemical tests of Rauwolfia are discussed in video lecture. It is useful for preparation of competitive examinations like GPAT.

1. Mr. Vipul. A. Sansare M.Pharm (Pharmaceutics) Contact No. :8692930764 Email :[email protected] Microscopy of Rauwolfia

2. Synonym: Serpentina root, Sarpagandha , Indian snake root, chhotachand BS: Dried roots and rhizomes of the Rauwolfia serpentina Family: Apocynaceae . Collected in autumn from plants of 3 to 4 years old.

3. Chemical constituents: Contain alkaloids (0.8 to 1.3 %) . Alkaloids like Reserpine, Ajmaline , serpentine and rescinnamine . Uses : Antihypertensive and tranquillizing agent

4. T.S. of Rauwolfia Medullary rays Xylem fibres Xylem vessels Secondary phloem Phelloderm Cork Phellogen

5. Powder microscopy Cork cells: Stratified isodiametric cells, sometimes lignified .

6. Parenchyma: Lignified, pitted, xylem parenchymatous cells. Contains starch grains

7. Xylem fibres: Thick, lignified with pointed or bifurcated ends.

8. Xylem vessels: Lignified, oblique end walls.

9. Calcium oxalate crystals: Prismatic Starch grains: Simple, spherical, star shaped hilum. Stone cells are absent

10. Micro-chemical tests Reagent Observations Characteristics Phloroglucinol + conc. HCl Pink colour Lignified cork and vessels Iodine solution Blue colour Starch Dil acetic acid Insoluble Calcium oxalate crystals Dil. Hydrochloric acid Crystal soluble Calcium oxalate crystals Sulphuric acid (60%) Needles of calcium sulphate crystals form on standing Calcium oxalate crystals

11. Chemical tests General chemical tests for alkaloids

12. Substitute/Allied drugs Rauwolfia vomitoria (African Rauwolfia ) Five discontinued bands of schlerenchyma Large vessels II. Rauwolfia densiflora Contain sclerenchyma III. Rauwolfia tetraphylla Uniform cork Abundant sclerides and fibres Absence of rescinnamine

13. ???? Rauwolfia serpentina can be distinguisg from the other adulterants/ substitute of Rauwolfia species by: Presence of starch grains Presence of calcium oxalate crystals Presence of tricomes Presence of sclereides

14. ???? Reserpine is derived from: Squalene Homoserine Aspargine Tryptophan and tryptamine

15. ???? Presence of which of the following characteristics show that Rouwolfia serpentine is adulterated with other species of Rouwolfia ? Presence of starch grains Presence of calcium oxalate crystals Presence of tricomes Presence of lignified sclereides

16. ???? Reserpine is derived from: Squalene Homoserine Aspargine Tryptophan and tryptamine