CRUDE DRUGS BELONGING TO VARIOUS FAMILIES OF MEDICINAL IMPORTANCE

CRUDE DRUGS BELONGING TO VARIOUS FAMILIES OF MEDICINAL IMPORTANCE

Chapter outline

Ranunculanceae: Aconitum, Larkspur, Pulsatilla, Hydrastis

Papaveraaceae: Papaver somniferum, Sanguinaria canadensis

Leguminosae: Acacia, Glycyrrhiza, Senna, Cassia, Tamarind

Umbelliferae: Fennel, Carum, Coriander, Conium, Asafoetida

Apocynaceae: Rauwolfia, Catharanthus

Asclepiadaceae: Gymnema sylvestre, Calotropis gigantea

Asteraceae/Compositae: Artemisia, Silybum marianum, Echinaceae, Arctium lappa

Solanaceae: Belladonna, Hyoscyamus, Stramonium, Capsicum

Scrophulariaceae: Digitalis, Verbascum (Mullien)

Labiatae: Peppermint, Thyme, Spearmint, Salvia, Ocimum

Liliaceae: Garlic, Colchicum, Aloe

Zingiberaceae: Ginger, Curcuma

Ranunculanceae: Aconitum, Larkspur, Pulsatilla, and Hydrastis

Aconitum / Aconite root

Aconite (Wolfsbane root) consists of the dried roots of Aconitum napellus (Fam. Ranunculaceae), collected
from wild or cultivated plants.

Macroscopic characters
• Aconite differs in appearance according to the season of collection
• The aconite formerly cultivated in England was harvested in the autumn and consisted of both parent
and daughter roots
• Both are obconical in shape, dark-brown in color
• Odor is usually slight
• Taste is at first slightly sweet, followed by tingling and numbness (long chewing may be painful)

Main constituents
• Alkaloids
▪ Aconitine
▪ Mesaconitine
▪ Hypaconitine

Uses
• Very potent and quick acting poison (have been used as arrow poisons)
• Now rarely used internally
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• Was formerly used for the preparation of an antineuralgic liniment

• Used as an analgesic and sedative in homeopathic preparations

Larkspur
Larkspur is the dried ripe seed of Delphinium ajacis (Fam. Ranunculaceae).

Main constituents
• Alkaloids
▪ Ajacine
▪ Ajacinine
▪ Ajaconine

Uses
• Used externally as a parasiticide (to kill parasites)
• Is a cause of human and livestock poisoning by accidental ingestion

Pulsatilla
Aerial parts of Pulsatilla vulgaris (Fam. Ranunculaceae).

Main constituents
• Ranunculin
• Anemonin

Uses
• Conditions of the male or female reproductive system
• Tension headaches
• Migraine headaches
• Hyperactive states
• Insomnia
• Boils
• Skin diseases
• Nerve problems

Hydrastis
Hydrastis or goldenseal consists of the dried rhizome and roots of Hydrastis canadensis (Fam.
Ranunculaceae).

Main constituents
• Alkaloids
▪ Hydrastine
▪ Berberine
▪ Canadine

Uses
• To check uterine hemorrhage
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• As a bitter stomachic
• Locally in the treatment of catarrhal conditions of the genitourinary tract
• Hydrastine hydrochloride and hydrastinine hydrochloride have been used in various forms to control
uterine hemorrhage

Papaveraceae: Opium and Sanguinaria

Opium (‫)افیم‬
Opium or gum opium is the air-dried milky exudate obtained by incising the unripe capsules of opium poppy
Papaver somniferum (Fam. Papaveraceae).

Cultivation, collection, and commerce

• Poppy seeds are sown in October (the seeds germinate in the fall)
• In the spring, when the plants are about 15 cm (6 inches) in height, they are transplanted about 60 cm
apart
• It blossoms in April to May; Capsules mature in June or July; Each plant bears 5 to 8 capsules
• The ripening capsules, about 4 cm in diameter, change in color from bluish green to yellowish
• This time is critical for latex collection
• The capsules are incised with a knife, which is usually 3 bladed, and the incision is made along the
circumference of the capsule
• Great skill is required so that endocarp is not cut. When endocarp is broken, the latex flows into the
interior of the capsule and is lost
• The latex, white at first, rapidly coagulates and turns brown
• Usually, incision is done in the evening and the latex is removed (scraped off with a knife) in the early
following/next morning and is transferred to a poppy leaf
• Each capsule is incised several times at intervals of 2 or 3 days
• When sufficient latex is collected, it is kneaded (squeezed/pressed) into balls that are wrapped in poppy
leaves and dried in the shade
• The latex (opium) is then inspected
• After inspection, the opium is packed

Properties of opium
• Opium occurs as more or less rounded, somewhat flattened masses that are usually about 8 to 15 cm in
diameter and weigh from 300 g to 2 kg each
• Externally, opium is pale olive-brown or olive-gray
• It is more or less plastic when fresh; Becomes hard and brittle or tough when kept
• Internally, it is coarsely granular or nearly smooth, reddish brown
• Odor is characteristic; Taste is bitter and characteristic

Mian constituent
• Alkaloids Do you know?
▪ Morphine The first compound isolated from plant source was morphine.
It was isolated from the opium in 1817 by the German scientist, Friedrich Sertürner.
▪ Codeine
▪ Noscapine
▪ Papaverine Heroin: A semisynthetic product, produced by acetylation of morphine.
▪ Thebaine
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Uses
• It acts chiefly on CNS; First stimulates and then depresses nerve responses
• Narcotic analgesic
• Hypnotic
• Checks excessive peristalsis (may cause constipation)
• Contracts the pupil of the eye What is the difference between poppy capsule, opium, afeem,
morphine, heroin, cannabis, bhang, charas, hashish, and marijuana?

Sanguinaria
Sanguinaria or blood root is the dried rhizome of Sanguinaria canadensis (Fam. Papaveraceae).

• Sanguinaria refers to the bloody color of the juice

• Canadensis refers to the plant habitat in Canada

Main constituents
• Alkaloids
▪ Sanguinarine
▪ Chelerythrine
▪ Protopine
▪ Allocryptopine
These alkaloids are colorless, but tend to form colored salts

Uses
• Stimulating properties
• Expectorant
• Emetic

Leguminosae: Acacia, Glycyrrhiza, Senna, Cassia, and Tamarind

Acacia (‫)گوند کیکر‬

Acacia or gum arabic is the dried gummy exudate obtained from the stems and branches of Acacia senegal
or of other related African species of Acacia (Fam. Leguminosae).

Collection and commerce

• The trees are tapped by making a transverse incision in the bark and peeling the bark both above and
below the cut
• In 2 to 3 weeks, the tears of gum formed on this exposed surface are collected

Main constituents
• Polysaccharides
• Arabin
▪ Arabin is a complex mixture of calcium, magnesium, and potassium salts of arabic acid
▪ Arabic acid is a branched polysaccharide
• Enzymes (oxidases, peroxidases, and pectinases)

Uses
• Emulsifying agent

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• Suspending agent
• Possesses emollient and demulcent properties
• Adhesive and binder in tablet granulation What is the difference between emollient and demulcent?

Licorice / Glycyrrhiza (‫)ملٹھ‬

Glycyrrhiza or licorice root is the dried rhizome and roots of Glycyrrhiza glabra, or of G. glabra var.
glandulifera, or of other varieties of G. glabra (Fam. Leguminosae).

• Drug obtained from G. glabra is known in commerce as Spanish licorice

• Drug obtained from G. glabra var. glandulifera is known in commerce as Russian licorice

Main constituents
• Glycosides
▪ Glycyrrhizin (also called glycyrrhizic acid)
▪ Liquiritin
▪ Isoliquiritin
Which is the simplest test to detect saponins?
▪ Liquiritoside
▪ Isoliquiritoside
Glycyrrhizin is a saponin glycoside, 50 times as sweet as sugar
• Glucose
• Mannitol
• Starch

Uses
• Demulcent
• Expectorant
• To treat peptic ulcer
• Flavoring agent to mask bitter taste of drugs
• Surfactant (this property facilitates the absorption of poorly absorbed drugs)
• Anti-inflammatory (used in dermatological practice)
• Glycyrrhizin increases sodium and fluid retention and promotes potassium depletion. Persons with
cardiac problems and hypertension should avoid consumption of significant quantities of licorice

Senna (‫)سنا میک‬

Senna or senna leaf consists of the dried leaflet of Cassia acutifolia, or of C. angustifolia (Fam. Leguminosae).

• Drug obtained from C. acutifolia is known in commerce as Alexandria senna

• Drug obtained from C. angustifolia is known in commerce as Tinnevelly senna

Main constituents
• Anthraquinone glycosides
▪ Sennoside A, B, C, and D

Uses
• Cathartic

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Cassia (‫)املتاس‬
Cassia is the dried ripe fruit of Cassia fistula (Fam. Leguminosae).

Macroscopic characters
• The fruit is a cylindrical pod
• Chocolate brown to black in color
• Pulp has a sweetish taste

Main constituents
• Anthraquinone glycosides
▪ Rhein
• Sugars
• Coloring matter
• Volatile oil (in traces)
What is the difference between carminative, laxative, cathartic, and purgative?
Uses
• Laxative

Tamarind (‫)امل‬
Tamarind is the partially dried fruit of Tamarindus indica (Fam. Leguminosae) that has been deprived of the
outer layer of pericarp and preserved with sugar.

Macroscopic characters
• Tamarind pulp occurs as a reddish-brown, moist, sticky mass
• Odor is pleasant and fruity
• Taste is sweet and acidic

Main constituents
• Organic acids
▪ Citric acid
▪ Tartaric acid
• Invert sugar

Uses
• Laxative
• Antipyretic

Umbelliferae: Fennel, Carum, Coriander, Conium, and Asafoetida

Fennel (‫)سونف‬
Fennel is the dried ripe fruit of Foeniculum vulgare (Fam. Umbelliferae).

Macroscopic characters
• Color is greenish brown
• Odor is aromatic
• Taste is distinct and sweet
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Main constituents
• Volatile oil
▪ Anethole
▪ Fenchone
▪ α-pinene

Uses
• Flavoring agent
• Carminative

Carum / Caraway (‫)زیرہ‬

Caraway is the dried ripe fruit of Carum carvi (Fam. Umbelliferae).

Macroscopic characters
• Color is brown
• Odor and taste are characteristic and spicy

Main constituents
• Volatile oil
▪ (+)-Carvone
▪ Limonene
• Fixed oil
• Proteins
• Calcium oxalate
• Coloring matter
• Resin

Uses
• Flavoring agent
• Carminative

Coriander (‫)دھنیہ‬
Coriander is the dried ripe fruit of Coriandrum sativum (Fam. Umbelliferae).

Macroscopic characters
• The ripe fruit is of straw-yellow color
• The fruits have an aromatic odor and a spicy taste

Main constituents
• Volatile oil
▪ Linalool (also called coriandrol)
▪ Limonene
▪ γ-terpinene
▪ p-cymene
▪ α-pinene

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Uses
• Flavoring agent
• Carminative

Conium
Conium consists of the dried, full grown but unripe fruits of Conium maculatum (Fam. Umbelliferae).

• It is a poisonous plant indigenous to Europe

• The juice of this plant constituted the famous hemlock poison of the Greeks and was employed by them
in putting their criminals to death

Main constituents
• Alkaloids It is commonly believed that Socrates was put to death with a decoction of Conium maculatum.
▪ Coniine Who was Socrates and why he was put to death?

Uses
• Mostly used in homeopathy medicines to treat
▪ Cysts
▪ Tumors
▪ Sexual problems

Asafoetida / Asafetida (‫)ہینگ‬

Asafoetida is the oleo-gum resin obtained by incising the living rhizomes and roots of Ferula asafoetida and
other species of Ferula (Fam. Umbelliferae).

• Asafoetida is ill smelling, has offensive odor

• It is also called “devil’s dung”

Physical properties
• Soft, sometimes semiliquid mass
• Asafoetida occurs in two principal forms
▪ Tears: Rounded or flattened, greyish-white, dull yellow or reddish-brown in color
▪ Mass: Tears agglutinated into masses
Mass asafoetida is the commonest commercial form
• Odor is persistently alliaceous (resembling garlic or onion)
• Taste is bitter, alliaceous, and acrid
• Asafoetida should be kept in closed bottles

Main constituents
• Volatile oil
▪ Isobutylpropanyl disulfide that is accompanied by a number of related organic sulfides
• Resin
• Gum
• Some terpenes
• Umbelliferone (in combined form)

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Uses
• Carminative
• Expectorant
• Laxative
• Antispasmodic

Apocynaceae: Rauwolfia and Catharanthus

Rauwolfia
Rauwolfia is the dried root of Rauvolfia serpentina (Fam. Apocynaceae).

• Sometimes, fragments of rhizome and aerial stem bases are attached

Rauwolfia (Drug name with “w”)
Rauvolfia serpentina (Plant name, Rauvolfia with “v”)

Main constituents
• Alkaloids
▪ Reserpine
▪ Rescinnamine,
▪ Deserpidine
▪ Ajmaline
▪ Isoajmaline
▪ Rauwolfinine
▪ Serpentine
▪ Serpentinine
▪ Alstonine

Uses
• Hypotensive agent
• Has sedative activity

Catharanthus (‫)سدا بہار‬

Catharanthus or vinca is the dried whole plant of Catharanthus roseus (Fam. Apocynaceae), formerly
designated Vinca rosea.

Main constituents Have you ever seen catharanthus plant?

• Alkaloids If no, go and find it. This plant is very common.
Discovery of vinblastine and vincristine is also an interesting story, worth reading.
▪ Vinblastine
▪ Vincristine
• 500 kg catharanthus gives 1 g of vincristine

Uses
• Anti-cancer

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Asclepiadaceae: Gymnema sylvestre and Calotropis gigantea

Gymnema sylvestre (‫)گڑ مار بوٹ‬

It is the leaf of Gymnema sylvestre (Fam. Asclepiadaceae).

Main constituents
• Triterpene glycosides
• Gymnemic acid

Uses
• Antidiabetic
• Expectorant
• Diuretic
• Astringent
• Emetic
• Stomachic

Calotropis gigantea (‫)آک‬

Source: Calotropis gigantea (Fam. Asclepiadaceae).

Main constituents
• Leaf: Alkaloids and glycosides
Have you ever seen Calotropis gigantea?
• Flowers: Beta-amyrin and stigmasterol If no, go and find it. This plant is very common.

Uses
• Flowers: Stomachic, antitussive, and anti-asthmatic
• Milky juice: Purgative (gastrointestinal irritant)
• Leaves: Used in external swellings

Asteraceae / Compositae: Artemisia, Silybum marianum, Echinaceae, and Arctium lappa

Artemisia
Aerial parts of Artemisia annua (Fam. Asteraceae).

• Plant is native to China

Main constituents Artemisinin was discovered by Tu Youyou, a Chinese scientist, who

• Sesquiterpene lactone was awarded the 2015 Nobel Prize in Medicine for this discovery.

▪ Artemisinin

Uses
• Antimalarial (to treat cases of chloroquine-resistant Plasmodium falciparum and particularly cerebral
malaria)

Is Silybum marianum commonly found in Pakistan?

Silybum marianum / Milk thistle (‫)اونٹ کٹارا‬
It consists of the fruits of Silybum marianum (Fam. Asteraceae).

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Main constituents
• Silymarin
• Silybin
• Silydianin
Silliver® is a very famous brand of Abbott, containing silymarin.
Uses
• Hepatoprotective agent

Echinaceae
Echinacea, cone flower, and purple cone flower refer to the dried rhizome and roots of Echinacen angustifolia
(Fam. Asteraceae).

Main constituents
• Echinacoside (a caffeic acid glycoside)
• Echinacin B (a polysaccharide)

Uses
• Orally
▪ In supportive therapy for colds and infections of the respiratory and urinary tract by stimulation of
the immune response
• External uses
▪ Promotion of wound healing and treatment of inflammatory skin conditions

Arctium lappa / Burdock

Burdock or lappa is the dried first-year root of Arctium lappa (Fam. Asteraceae)

Main constituents
• Fatty acids
• Organic acids
• Phenolic acids
• Lignans
• Sesquiterpenes
• Tannin
• Inulin
• Mucilage

Uses
• Diuretic
• For treatment of gout, rheumatism, and syphilitic disorders
• Preparations of the root have also been used to stimulate hair growth and to treat chronic skin
conditions, such as dandruff and psoriasis
• Herbal tea

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Solanaceae: Belladonna, Hyoscyamus, Stramonium, and Capsicum

Belladonna
Belladonna leaf, belladonna herb or deadly nightshade leaf consists of the dried leaf and flowering or fruiting
top of Atropa belladonna (Fam. Solanaceae).

• ‘Atropa’ is from Greek ‘Atropos’, refers to the poisonous character of the drug
• ‘Belladonna’ is from two Italian words ‘bella’ meaning beautiful, ‘donna’ meaning lady
▪ This probably refers to the fact that, juice of the berry of plant when placed in the eyes, causes
dilation of the pupils, giving an outstanding appearance

Main constituents
• Alkaloids
▪ (–)-hyoscyamine
▪ Atropine
Atropine is the racemic mixture of (–)-hyoscyamine and (+)-hyoscyamine
Atropine exists only in traces in fresh plant
It is formed during extraction process

Uses
• Spasmolytic agent (due to parasympathetic depressant action)
• To control excess motor activity of GIT and spasm of urinary tract (due to its anticholinergic properties)

Hyoscyamus
Hyoscyamus or henbane is the dried leaf, with or without the stem and flowering or fruiting top, of
Hyoscyamus niger (Fam. Solanaceae).

Main constituents
What is the difference between hyoscyamine, hyoscine, atropine, and scopolamine?
• Alkaloids
▪ (–)-hyoscyamine
▪ Scopolamine (also called hyoscine)

Uses Do you know… A very famous brand Buscopan® contains which drug?
• To relieve spasm of the urinary tract
• With strong purgatives to prevent griping (an acute intermittent cramp-like pain)

Stramonium
Stramonium, jimson weed or Jamestown weed consists of the dried leaf and flowering or fruiting tops with
branches of Datura stramonium (Fam. Solanaceae).

Main constituents
• Alkaloids
▪ (–)-hyoscyamine
▪ Scopolamine/hyoscine

Uses
• Powdered stramonium is an ingredient in preparations that are intended to burn

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• The resultant vapor is inhaled for the relief of asthma

Capsicum
Capsicum, chillies, or red pepper is the dried ripe fruit of Capsicum frutescens, C. annuum var. conoides, and
C. annuum var. longum (Fam. Solanaceae).

Main constituents
• Oleoresins: Capsaicin
▪ Extremely pungent principle
1 part diluted with 11 million parts of water, even then gives pungent taste
• Volatile oils
• Fixed oils
• Ascorbic acid
• Carotenoids

Uses
• Carminative
• Stimulant
• Condiment
• Counter irritant
• Rubefacient

Scrophulariaceae: Digitalis and Verbascum

Digitalis
Digitalis or foxglove is a crude drug which consists of the dried leaves of Digitalis purpurea (Fam.
Scrophulariaceae).

Main constituents
• Cardioactive glycosides
▪ Primary glycosides (Purpurea glycoside A, purpurea glycoside B, and glucogitaloxin)
▪ Secondary glycosides (Digitoxin, gitoxin, gitaloxin)
• Secondary glycosides are derived from primary glycosides, on drying, by enzyme degradation
• Only secondary glycosides are therapeutically active

Uses
• To treat
▪ Congestive cardiac failure
▪ Supraventricular tachycardia
▪ Atrial flutter
▪ Atrial fibrillation

Verbascum
The dried flower, reduced to the corolla and androecium, of Verbascum thapsus (Fam. Scrophulariaceae).

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Main constituents
• Flavonoids
• Iridoids
• Polysaccharides
• Saponins

Uses
• For the treatment of bronchial conditions particularly bronchitis and catarrh
• Expectorant
• Demulcent

Labiatae: Peppermint, Thyme, Spearmint, Salvia, and Ocimum

Peppermint (‫)پودینہ‬
Peppermint consists of the dried leaf and flowering top of Mentha piperita (Fam. Labiatae).

Main constituents
• Volatile oil
▪ (–)-menthol
▪ Menthyl acetate
▪ Menthone
• Resins
• Tannins

Uses
• Flavoring agent
• Carminative
• Stimulant
• Counter irritant
• In chewing gums, shampoos, and tooth pastes

Thyme
It consists of the dried leaves and flower tops of Thymus vulgaris (Fam. Labiatae).

Main constituents
• Volatile oil
▪ Thymol
• Saponins
• Ursolic acid
• Caffeic acid
• Tannins
• Resins

Uses
• Germicidal
• Dried thyme is spread in clothes to repel insects
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• Flavoring agent

Spearmint
Spearmint consists of the dried leaf and flowering top of Mentha spicata (common spearmint) or of M.
cardiaca (Scotch spearmint) (Fam. Labiatae).

Main constituents
• Volatile oil
▪ (–)-carvone
• Resins
• Tannins

Uses
• Flavoring agent
• Carminative

Salvia
Leaves of Salvia officinalis (Fam. Labiatae).

Main constituents
• Volatile oil
▪ α- and β-thujone
▪ Cineole
▪ Borneol
• Diterpenes
• Phenolic glycosides
• Tannins

Uses
• As a mouthwash and gargle for its antiseptic and astringent action
• Treatment of Alzheimer’s disease and memory loss
• Astringent
• Anti-inflammatory
• Carminative
• Antispasmodic
• Antiseptic

Ocimum (‫)تلیس‬
Leaves of Ocimum sanctum (Fam. Labiatae).

Main constituents
• Volatile oil
• Flavonoids

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Uses
• Carminative
• Stomachic
• Anti-spasmodic
• Anti-asthmatic
• Anti-rheumatic
• Expectorant
• Stimulant
• Hepatoprotective
• Antipyretic
• Essential oil: Antibacterial and antifungal

Liliaceae: Garlic, Colchicum, and Aloe

Garlic (‫)لہسن‬
Garlic is the ripe bulb of Allium sativum (Fam. Liliaceae).

Main constituents
• Allicin (responsible for the odor of garlic)
• Alliin
• Volatile oil
• Fatty oil
• Mucilage
• Albumin

Uses
• Carminative
• Used in hypertension
• Aphrodisiac (to stimulate sexual desire)
• Expectorant
• Stimulant

Colchicum
Colchicum seed is the dried, ripe seed of Colchicum autumnale (Fam. Liliaceae).

Colchicum corm is the dried corm of the same species

Main constituents
• Alkaloids
▪ Colchicine

Uses
• Source of colchicine
▪ Colchicine is gout suppressant

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Aloe (‫)مصب‬
Aloe is the dried latex of the leaves of Aloe barbadensis (A. vera), or of A. ferox and hybrids of this species
with A. Africana and A. spicata (Fam. Liliaceae).

• Drug obtained from Aloe barbadensis (A. vera) is known in commerce as Curacao aloe
• Drug obtained from A. ferox and hybrids of this species with A. Africana and A. spicata is known in
commerce as Cape aloe
• Curacao aloe is superior to Cape aloe

Macroscopic characters
• Aloe occurs as opaque masses
• These masses range from reddish black to brownish black to dark brown in color
• Taste is nauseating and bitter
• Odor is characteristic and disagreeable

Main cconstituents
• Anthraquinone glycosides
▪ Barbaloin

Uses
• Cathartic

Zingiberaceae: Ginger and Curcuma

Ginger / Zingiber (‫ سونٹھ‬،‫می زنجبیل( )ادرک‬

‫)عرٹ ں‬
Ginger is the dried rhizome of Zingiber officinale (Fam. Zingiberaceae).

• The outer cortical layers are often either partially or completely removed

Main constituents
• Volatile oil
▪ Zingiberene And (in paradise) they shall be served with a cup/drink, flavored with ginger.
Quran, Surah Ad-Dahr, Verse 17.
▪ Zingiberol
▪ Bisabolene
▪ This volatile oil is responsible for characteristic aroma of ginger
• Oleoresin
▪ Containing zingerone and shogaol (aromatic ketones)
▪ This oleoresin is responsible for characteristic pungency of ginger
• Starch (more than 50%)

Uses
• Flavoring agent
• Carminative
• Anti-emetic
• Condiment
• To manufacture ginger ale (ginger flavored soft drinks)

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Turmeric / Curcuma (‫)ہلدی‬

Curcuma or turmeric is the prepared rhizome of Curcuma longa (Fam. Zingiberaceae).

• Turmeric has an aromatic odor and a warm somewhat bitter taste

Main constituents
• Curcumin (a bright yellow phenolic compound)
• Volatile oil

Uses
• Curcumin is broad spectrum antimicrobial
• Curcuma is used as coloring agent and condiment in curry powders and pickles
• It also has been employed to stimulate biliary secretions and treat gallstone

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Brief summary of the chapter

Drug Plant name Part used Main chemical class Main constituents Uses
Aconitum Aconitum napellus Roots Alkaloids Aconitine; Mesaconitine; Hypaconitine Analgesic; Sedative
Ranunculanceae

Larkspur Delphinium ajacis Seeds Alkaloids Ajacine; Ajacinine; Ajaconine Parasiticide

Tension headaches; Migraine
Pulsatilla Pulsatilla vulgaris Aerial parts Glycosides Ranunculin; Anemonin headaches; Hyperactive states;
Insomnia
Rhizomes and To check uterine hemorrhage; As a
Hydrastis Hydrastis canadensis Alkaloids Hydrastine; Berberine; Canadine
roots bitter stomachic
Opium Air-dried milky Morphine; Codeine; Noscapine;
Papaver somniferum Alkaloids Narcotic analgesic; Hypnotic
Papaver
aceae

)‫(افیم‬ exudate Papaverine; Thebaine

Sanguinaria Sanguinarine; Chelerythrine; Protopine; Stimulating properties;
Sanguinaria Rhizomes Alkaloids
canadensis Allocryptopine Expectorant; Emetic
Emulsifying and suspending agent;
Acacia Dried gummy
Acacia Senegal Polysaccharides Arabin Emollient; Demulcent; Adhesive
(‫)گوند کیکر‬ exudate
and binder
Glycyrrhiza Rhizome and
Leguminosae

Glycyrrhiza glabra Glycosides Glycyrrhizin Demulcent; Expectorant; Anti-ulcer

(‫)ملٹھ‬ roots
Senna Cassia acutifolia; C.
Leaves Glycosides Sennoside A, B, C, and D Cathartic
(‫)سنا میک‬ angustifolia
Cassia
Cassia fistula Fruits (pods) Glycosides Rhein Laxative
(‫)املتا س‬
Tamarind
Tamarindus indica Fruits Organic acids Citric acid; Tartaric acid Laxative; Antipyretic
(‫)امل‬
Fennel
Foeniculum vulgare Fruits Volatile oil Anethole; Fenchone; α-pinene Flavoring agent; Carminative
(‫)سونف‬
Caraway
Umbelliferae

Carum carvi Fruits Volatile oil (+)-Carvone; Limonene Flavoring agent; Carminative
(‫)زیرہ‬
Coriander
Coriandrum sativum Fruits Volatile oil Coriandrol; Limonene Flavoring agent; Carminative
(‫)دھنیہ‬
Conium Conium maculatum Fruits Alkaloids Coniine Cysts; Tumors; Sexual problems
Asafoetida Rhizomes and Carminative; Expectorant; Laxative;
Ferula asafoetida Volatile oil and resins Isobutylpropanyl disulfide
(‫)ہینگ‬ roots Antispasmodic
Reserpine; Rescinnamine; Deserpidine;
Apocyna

Rauwolfia Rauvolfia serpentina Roots Alkaloids Hypotensive; Sedative

Ajmaline; Serpentine
ceae

Catharanthus
Catharanthus roseus Whole plant Alkaloids Vinblastine; Vincristine Anti-cancer
(‫)سدا بہار‬
Gymnema sylvestre Antidiabetic; Expectorant; Diuretic;
cle

ad

ea
As

ac

Gymnema sylvestre Leaves Triterpene glycosides Gymnemic acid

pi

(‫)گڑ مار بو ٹ‬ Astringent; Emetic; Stomachic

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CRUDE DRUGS BELONGING TO VARIOUS FAMILIES OF MEDICINAL IMPORTANCE

Stomachic; Antitussive; Anti-

Calotropis gigantea Leaves and
Calotropis gigantea Alkaloids; Glycosides; Beta-amyrin; Stigmasterol asthmatic; Purgative; External
(‫)آ ک‬ Flowers
swellings
Artemisia Artemisia annua Aerial parts Sesquiterpene lactones Artemisinin Antimalarial
Silybum marianum
Silybum marianum Fruits Flavonolignans Silymarin; Silybin; Silydianin Hepatoprotective
(‫)اونٹ کٹارا‬
Asteraceae

Orally: In supportive therapy for

Rhizome and Echinacoside (a caffeic acid glycoside); colds and infections of the
Echinaceae Echinacen angustifolia
roots Echinacin B (a polysaccharide) respiratory and urinary tract;
Externally: Wound healing
Diuretic; For treatment of gout,
Dried first-year
Arctium lappa Arctium lappa Fatty acids; Organic acids; Phenolic acids; Lignans; Tannins rheumatism, and syphilitic
root
disorders; Herbal tea
Leaves and Spasmolytic; To control excess
Belladonna Atropa belladonna flowering or Alkaloids (–)-Hyoscyamine; Atropine motor activity of GIT and spasm of
fruiting tops urinary tract

Leaves, with or
To relieve spasm of the urinary
without the (–)-Hyoscyamine; Scopolamine
Solanaceae

Hyoscyamus Hyoscyamus niger Alkaloids tract; With strong purgatives to

stems and (hyoscine)
prevent griping
flowering or
fruiting tops
Leaves and
flowering or Burnt and the resultant vapor is
Stramonium Datura stramonium Alkaloids (–)-Hyoscyamine; Scopolamine
fruiting tops inhaled for the relief of asthma
with branches
Capsicum frutescens; Carminative; Stimulant; Counter
Capsicum Fruits Oleoresins Capsaicin
C. annuum irritant; Rubefacient
Digitalis Digitalis purpurea Leaves Cardioactive glycosides Digitoxin; Gitoxin; Gitaloxin To treat CCF
Scrophul
ariaceae

Flavonoids; Iridoids;
For the treatment of bronchitis and
Verbascum Verbascum thapsus Flowers Polysaccharides; ---
catarrh; Expectorant; Demulcent
Saponins
Flavoring agent; Carminative;
Peppermint Leaves and (–)-Menthol; Menthyl acetate; Stimulant; Counter irritant; In
Mentha piperita Volatile oil
(‫)پودینہ‬ flowering tops Menthone chewing gums, shampoos, and
tooth pastes
Labiatae

Leaves and
Thyme Thymus vulgaris Volatile oil Thymol Germicidal; Flavoring agent
flowering tops
leaf and
Spearmint Mentha spicata Volatile oil (–)-Carvone Flavoring agent; Carminative
flowering top
Mouthwash and gargle; Anti-
Salvia Salvia officinalis Leaves Volatile oil α- and β-Thujone; Cineole; Borneol inflammatory; Carminative;
Antispasmodic
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 CRUDE DRUGS BELONGING TO VARIOUS FAMILIES OF MEDICINAL IMPORTANCE

Ocimum Carminative; Stomachic; Anti-

Ocimum sanctum Leaves Volatile oil; Flavonoids Volatile oil; Flavonoids
(‫)تلیس‬ spasmodic
Carminative; Used in hypertension;
Garlic
Allium sativum Bulb --- Allicin; Alliin; Volatile oil Aphrodisiac; Expectorant;
Liliaceae

(‫)لہسن‬
Stimulant
Colchicum Colchicum autumnale Seeds Alkaloids Colchicine Anti-gout
Aloe Aloe barbadensis Latex of the
Glycosides Barbaloin Cathartic
(‫)مصب‬ (A. vera) leaves
Ginger Volatile oil and Zingiberene; Zingiberol; Bisabolene; Flavoring agent; Carminative; Anti-
Zingiberace

Zingiber officinale Rhizomes

(‫ سونٹھ‬،‫)ادرک‬ Oleoresins Zingerone; Shogaol emetic
ae

Antimicrobial; Coloring agent; To

Turmeric Phenolic compounds
Curcuma longa Rhizomes Curcumin stimulate biliary secretions and
(‫)ہلدی‬ and Volatile oil
treat gallstone

Reading References
• Evans WC. Trease and Evans Pharmacognosy. Elsevier, 16th edition, 2009.
• Tyler VE, Brady LR, Robbers JE. Pharmacognosy. Lea & Febiger, 7th edition, 1976.
• Tyler VE, Brady LR, Robbers JE. Pharmacognosy. Lea & Febiger, 9th edition, 2003.
• Khare CP. Indian medicinal plants: An illustrated dictionary. Springer, 2008.
• Müller MB, Bertrams J, Stintzing FC. Stability of protoanemonin in plant extracts from Helleborus niger L. and Pulsatilla vulgaris Mill. Journal of
Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Analysis, 188, 113370, 2020.

PharmD Session: 2022-2023 1st edition

To notify mistakes and for suggestions, kindly contact

Hafiz Abdul Khaliq (hakhaliq@bzu.edu.pk)

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