Teratogens are substances that cause birth defects (congenital anomalies) during fetal development. Many natural, plant-derived compounds have been found to exhibit teratogenic effects. Teratogens identification helps prevent congenital disorders and ensures safe drug use during pregnancy. The following section details common teratogenic agents, their sources, and the effects they cause. Common Teratogenic Plant Compounds: Teratogenic … Read more
Hallucinogens are psychoactive substances that alter perception, mood, and cognition. Many of these compounds are derived from plants. Below is a detailed overview of common hallucinogenic plants, including their biological sources, chemical constituents, and uses. Hallucinogens are psychoactive substances that alter perception, mood, and cognition. Many hallucinogens are of plant origin. Common Hallucinogenic Plants: Plant … Read more
Resins & its Identification Tests confirm natural origin using solubility, color reactions, and chemical analysis. Resins & its Identification Tests ensure purity, authenticity, and quality for safe pharmaceutical applications. Definition Resins are solid or semi-solid substances derived from plant exudates, insoluble in water but soluble in organic solvents. Examples Benzoin resin Colophony (Pine resin) Asafoetida … Read more
Growth Conditions in plant tissue culture involve light, temperature, humidity, and sterile environment control. Growth Conditions in plant tissue culture ensure optimal cell division, differentiation, and healthy plantlet development. Sterile Environment All culture media, instruments, and vessels must be sterilized (commonly by autoclaving at 121°C, 15 psi, 15–20 min). Explants surface-sterilized (e.g., with sodium hypochlorite … Read more
Nutritional Requirements for Plant Tissue Culture ensure growth with essential minerals, vitamins & carbon source. Nutritional Requirements for Plant Tissue Culture need auxins & cytokinins for cell division, differentiation & morphogenesis. Plant tissue culture media must contain essential nutrients for cell growth, differentiation, and organogenesis. Macronutrients (Major Nutrients, Required in Large Quantities) Nitrogen (N) – … Read more
Volatile Oils & its Identification Tests ensure quality, authenticity, and therapeutic value in pharmaceutical applications. Volatile Oils & its Identification Tests confirm purity by evaluating aroma, solubility, optical rotation, and chemical reactions. Definition: Volatile oils (essential oils) are aromatic, volatile compounds obtained from plants. Examples: Menthol (Peppermint) Eucalyptus oil (Eucalyptus) Clove oil (Clove) Properties: Aromatic, … Read more
Tannins & Its Identification Tests ensure quality, purity, and therapeutic value of herbal formulations Tannins & Its Identification Tests confirm presence through color reactions, precipitation, and chemical assays. Definition Tannins are polyphenolic compounds that have astringent properties and the ability to bind proteins. Examples Gallic acid (found in Tea, Oak bark) Catechin (found in Green … Read more
Flavonoids & its Identification Tests confirm presence, purity, and therapeutic value in natural drug sources. Flavonoids & its Identification Tests also involve color reactions, UV absorption, and chemical assays for detection. Definition Flavonoids are polyphenolic compounds with antioxidant properties, widely distributed in fruits, vegetables, and medicinal plants. Examples Quercetin (Onion, Apple) Kaempferol (Tea, Broccoli) Rutin … Read more
Glycosides & its Identification Tests involve detecting sugar-linked compounds with therapeutic significance. Glycosides & its Identification Tests include Keller–Killiani, Borntrager’s, and Legal’s test for confirmation. Definition Glycosides are compounds that consist of a sugar (glycone) and a non-sugar (aglycone or genin) part, linked by a glycosidic bond. Examples Cardiac glycosides (e.g., Digoxin from Digitalis purpurea) … Read more
Alkaloids & Its Identification Tests involve detecting nitrogenous plant compounds with therapeutic significance. Alkaloids & Its Identification Tests also confirm purity, pharmacological activity, and standardization of herbal drugs. Definition Alkaloids are nitrogen-containing, basic organic compounds derived from amino acids. They have significant physiological effects on humans and animals. Examples Morphine (Opium poppy – Papaver somniferum) … Read more
