AJOWAN

SYNONYM: Bishop's weed, Ajwain, Jevain, Ajma, Ajmo, Yavan

BIOLOGICAL SOURCE: It consists of dried fruits of Trachyspermum ammi.
FAMILY: Umbelliferae (Apiaceae)
GEOGRAPHICAL SOURCE:
 Trachyspermum ammi is a native of Egypt and is cultivated in Iraq, Iran, Afghanistan, Pakistan, and
India.
 In India, it is cultivated in Madhyapardesh, Uttarpardesh, Gujarat, Rajasthan, Maharashtra, Bihar and
West Bengal.
CULTIVATION:
 It is widely grown in arid and semi-arid regions where soils contain high levels of salts.
 The seeds are sown directly in the field. The seeds take 8 to 10 days to geminate. Thinning should be
carried out when the plant gets a height of 20 to 25 cm. 1.5kg of seeds per hectare is required for
sowing.
 Manure:
Farm Yard manure – 25 tones
Double Superphosphate – 30kg
Muriate of Potash – 30kg
 These are incorporated into the soil. Urea is applied in three equal split doses. First at the time of
sowing, then subsequently two doses being at an interval of 30 days.
 The plant requires about 120 to 140 days for maturity. When seeds turn full brownish the whole plant
can be uprooted. The whole plants are then tied in small bundles and tacked for drying and then
threshed.
MORPHOLOGY:
 Odour: aromatic
 Shape: ovoid, cordate, cremocarp with a persistent stylopodium
 Fruit consists of two mericarps, grayish brown, ovoid, compressed, about 2 mm long and 1.7 mm wide,
5 ridges and 6 vittae in each mericarp, usually separate, 5 primary ridges.

Ajwain Flowers

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MICROSCOPY:
Transverse section of fruit shows two hexagonal structures attached with each other by carpophores,
epicarps consists of a single layer of tangentially elongated tabular cells, mesocarp consists of moderately
thick-walled, rectangular to polygonal tangentially elongated cells having some vittae, carpophores and
vascular bundles present as groups of thick-walled radically elongated cells, integument, barrel shaped of
tangentially elongated cells, endosperm consists of thin walled cells filled with embryo, oil globules, small
and circular, composed of polygonal thin walled cells. The powder microscopy shows the presence of oil
globules and groups of endosperm cells.
CHEMICAL CONSTITUENTS:
Ajwain fruits yield 2% to 4% brownish essential oil, with thymol as the major constituent (35% to 60%).
The nonthymol fraction (thymene) contains para-cymene, γ-terpenine, α- and β-pinenes, dipentene, α-
terpinene, and carvacrol.
Minute amounts of camphene, myrcene, and α-3-carene also have been found in the plant. Alcoholic
extracts contain a highly hygroscopic saponin.
From the fruits, a yellow, crystalline flavone and a steroid-like substance has been isolated and it also
contains 6-O-β-glucopyranosyloxythymol, glucoside and yields 25% oleoresin containing 12% volatile oil
(thymol, γ-terpinene, para-cymene, and α- and β-pinene). The principal oil constituents of T. ammi are
carvone (46%), limonene (38%), and dillapiole (9%).
Ajwain seed analysis has revealed it to contain fiber (11.9%), carbohydrates (38.6%), tannins, glycosides,
moisture (8.9%), protein (15.4%), fat (18.1%), saponins, flavone and mineral matter (7.1%) containing
calcium, phosphorous, iron and nicotinic acid
USES:
 Ajwain with its characteristic aromatic smell and pungent taste is widely used as a spice in curries.
 Its seeds are used in small quantities for flavoring numerous foods, as preservatives, in medicine and for
the manufacture of essential oil in perfumery.
 In Indian system of medicine, ajwain is administered for curing stomach disorders, a paste of crushed
fruits is applied externally for relieving colic pains; and a hot and dry fomentation of the fruits is applied
on chest for asthma.
 T. ammi has been shown to possess antimicrobial, hypolipidemic, digestive stimulant, antihypertensive,
hepatoprotective, antispasmodic, broncho-dilating, antilithiasis, diuretic, abortifacient, galactogogic,
antiplatelet-aggregatory, anti-inflammatory, antitussive, antifilarial, gestroprotective, nematicidal,
anthelmintic, detoxification of aflatoxins, and ameliorative effects.
 Therapeutic uses of T. ammi fruits include; stomachic, carminative and expectorant, antiseptic and
amoebiasis, antimicrobial.

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PODOPHYLLUM
Synonyms Podophyllum, American Mandrake, May-apple root.
Biological Source Podophyllum consists of the dried rhizomes and roots of Podophyllum peltatum Linn.,
belonging to family Berberidaceae.
Geographical Source Podophyllum peltatum is indigenous to Eastern part of the United States and Canada.
It grows wildly in Virginia, North Carolina, Kentucky, Indiana, and Tennessee.
Collection and Preparation Podophyllum is a perennial herb which grows wildly in moist and shady places.
Most of the drug is collected from the wild plant in autumn. However, the cultivation of podophyllum has been
found to be profitable in the area of its occurrence. The rhizomes are dug up, washed with water to remove soil,
and cut into smaller pieces. The adventitious roots present on the rhizomes are removed. The drug is dried in the
sun.
Characteristics Podophyllum rhizomes come in the form of subcylindrical pieces of 5–20 cm length and 5–6
mm thickness at the internode and about 15 mm at the node. The pieces show occasional branching. It shows
the scars of aerial stems and adventitious roots. The outer surface is smooth or wrinkled and dark reddish brown.
It shows slight but characteristic odour and bitter, acrid taste. The rhizome breaks with a short, horny fracture.
The transversely cut surface show white starchy circles with radially elongated vascular bundles.
Microscopy
A transverse section of the podophyllum rhizome shows darker epidermis and one- or two-layered cork made up
of dead cells. The outer cortical zone is made up of thin-walled parenchyma and collenchymatous tissues,
whereas the inner cortex consists of a ring of smaller vascular bundles. Central pith is parenchymatous with
narrow stone cells. Certain parenchymatous cells of the nodal region shows cluster crystals of calcium oxalate
and most of the cells show the presence of starch grains.
Chemical Constituents
Podophyllum rhizomes contain 2–8% resinous material termed as podophyllin. The major constituents of
podophyllum resin are the lignan derivatives which are characterized as podophyllotoxin, - and -peltatin. The
lignans are found in the form of glycosides and also as their free aglycones. It also contains desmethyl
podophyllotoxin, desoxypodophyllotoxin, podophyllotoxone, a flavonoid quercetin and starch.
Uses
Podophyllum resin or podophyllin shows cytotoxic activity. It is used for the treatment of venereal and other
warts. Podophyllotoxin is semisynthetically converted to a potent anticancer agent etoposide which is mainly
used for the treatment of lung and testicular cancer. Podophyllum resin is a strong gastrointestinal irritant. It acts
as a drastic purgative in moderate doses but it has been mostly replaced by other purgative drugs.
INDIAN PODOPHYLLUM
Synonyms
Rhizoma Podophylli Indici, Indian podophyllum.
Biological Source
Indian podophyllum consists of the dried pieces of rhizomes and roots of Podophyllum hexandrum Royle,
belonging to family Berberidaceae.
Geographical Source
The plant grows abundantly in the higher slopes of the Himalayas in India and Pakistan. It is also found in
Afghanistan and Tibet.
Collection and Preparation
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The plants which grow as a perennial herb are dug up in the autumn. The rhizomes are generally collected from
above two years old plant. The rhizomes are washed with water, cut into small pieces, and dried in the sun.
Characteristics
Indian podophyllum rhizomes are subcylindrical, flattened pieces with a very short internode as compared to
American podophyllum. The pieces are about 2–4 cm long and 1–2 cm in diameter, it shows the scars due to
cutting of branches and roots. Rhizomes are brownish coloured with characteristic odour and acrid, bitter taste. It
breaks with horny fracture but very hard. The transversely cut surface shows a ring of vascular bundle and central
pith.
Microscopy
A transverse section of the Indian podophyllum rhizomeshows the thin-walled, tubular cork. Cortex is made up
of cellular parenchyma containing large number of starch
grains and cluster crystals of calcium oxalate. The vascular bundles are arranged in a ring with phloem on the
outer side and a bit irregular xylem at the inner side. In certain regions fibrovascular bundles are found entering
the aerial stem. The central pith shows the crystals of calcium oxalate.
The major distinguishing features in P. hexandrum and P. peltatum are the size of the starch grain and the
crystals ofcalcium oxalate.
Chemical Constituents
The most of the chemical constituents of Indian podophyllum are similar to that of P. peltatum. Podophyllum
resin present to the extent of 6–12% which contains about 40% podophyllotoxin.
Chemical Tests
1. The reaction of podophyllum resin alcoholic extract with strong solution of copper acetate develops brown
precipitate for Indian podophyllum, whereas American drug produces green colour without precipitate.
Uses
P. hexandrum closely resembles P. peltatum in its pharmacological activity. It is largely used for the preparation
of podophyllum resin.

Epiblema:
Single layered, yellowish brown, cells of which are slightly projecting outwards. Outer and radial walls
thickened with suberin.
2. Exodermis:
Single layered immediately below Epiblema and with thin walled smaller cells
3. Cortex:

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18-22 layers of typical parenchymatous cells with wavy and pitted thick walls having intercellular spaces.
They are fully loaded with starch grains but without any calcium oxalate crystals.
4. Endodermis:
Single layered and forms the innermost layer of cortical region. Cells are elongated with very prominent
casparian strips.
5. Vascular bundles:
Radial, alternate, groups vary from 4 to 9 and with exarches protoxylems.

SIAM BENZOIN
Biological Source
Siam Benzoin is a balsamic resin derived from stem of Styrax tonkinensis Craib., belonging to family Styraceae.
Geographical Source
The trees are present in North Laos, North Vietnam, Annam, and Thailand.
Collection
Siam Benzoin is also a pathological resin produced by incising the bark and by fungus attack. The stem of 6–8
years old plant is incised when balsam exudates. The resin is obtained in the form of liquid which is solidified.
Characteristics
Siam Benzoin occurs as tears or in blocks of variable sizes and reddish brown externally, but milky-white or
opaque internally. Matrix is glassy, reddish-brown, resinous, brittle but softening on chewing and become
plastic-like on chewing. It has vanilla-like odour and a balsamic taste.
Chemical Constituents
The principal constituent of Siam Benzoin is coniferyl benzoate
(60–80%) (3-methoxy-4-hydroxycinnamyl alcohol).
Other constituents are free benzoic acid (10%), triterpene
siaresinolic acid (6%), vanillin, and benzyl cinnamate.
Chemical Tests
1. Heat Sumatra Benzoin (5 g) with 10% aqueous potassium permanganate solution. A bitter almond-like odour
is produced due to oxidation of cinnamic acid present in Sumatra Benzoin. This test is negative in case of Siam
Benzoin.
2. To a petroleum ether solution of Benzoin (0.2 g), two to three drops of sulphuric acid are added in a China
dish. Sumatra Benzoin produces reddishbrown colour, whereas Siam Benzoin shows purplered colour on rotating
the dish.
3. To alcoholic solution of Benzoin ferric chloride solution is added. A green colour is produced in Siam Benzoin
due to the presence of phenolic compound coniferyl benzoate. This test is negative in case of Sumatra Benzoin
which does not contain sufficient amount of phenolic constituents.
Uses
Siam Benzoin acts as antiseptic, culinary and expectorant; it is used to prepare benzoinated lard, cosmetics,
fixatives, and in perfumery. It is superior to the Sumatra Benzoin with respect to antioxidative effect in lard and
other fats.
SUMATRA BENZOIN
Synonyms Gum Benjamin; Benzoinum; Benzoin; Luban (Hindi).

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Biological Source

Sumatra Benzoin is obtained from the incised stem of Styrax benzoin Dryander and Styrax
parallelo-neurus Perkins., belonging to family Styraceae. It contains about 25% of total balsamic acids, calculated
as cinnamic acid.
Geographical Source
The trees are found in Sumatra, Malacca, Malaya, Java, and Borneo.
Collection
The plants are medium-sized trees. Sumatra Benzoin is a pathological resin which is formed by making incision
and by attack of fungi. In Sumatra the seeds are sown in rice fields. The rice plants provide protection to benzoin
plants during first year. After harvesting of the rice crop the trees are allowed to grow. When they are 7 years old,
three triangular wounds are made in a vertical row. Tapping consists of making in each trunk three lines of
incisions which are gradually lengthened. The first triangular wounds are made in a vertical row about 40 cm
apart, the bark between the wounds being then scraped smooth. The first secretion is very sticky and is rejected.
After making further cuts, each about 4 cm above the preceding ones, a harder secretion is obtained. Further
incisions are made at three-monthly intervals, and the secretion becomes crystalline. About 6 weeks after each
fresh tapping the product is scraped off, the outer layer (finest quality) being kept separate from the next layer
(intermediate quality). About 2 weeks later the strip is scraped again, giving a lower quality darker in colour and
containing fragments of bark. Fresh incisions are then made, and the above process is repeated. Second
exudation is milky white and is used for medicinal purpose. The stem is incised four times during one year. AH
types of exudations are sent to industry for further processing. A single tree yields about 10 kg of resin per year
and is completely exhausted by the 19th year of its life.
Characteristics
Sumatra benzoin occurs in brittle masses consisting of opaque, whitish, or reddish tears embedded in a
translucent, reddish-brown or greyish-brown, resinous matrix. Odour, agreeable and balsamic, taste, slightly
acrid. Siamese benzoin occurs in tears or in blocks. The tears are of variable size and flattened; they are
yellowish-brown or reddish-brown externally, but milky-white and opaque internally. The block form consists of
small tears embedded in a glassy, reddish-brown, resinous matrix. It has a vanilla-like odour and a balsamic taste.
When heated, benzoin evolves white fumes of cinnamic and benzoic acids which readily condense on a cool
surface as a crystalline sublimate.
Chemical Constituents
Sumatra Benzoin consists of free balsamic acid (cinnamic and benzoic acids) (25%) and their esters. The amount
of cinnamic acid is usually double that of benzoic acid. It also contains triterpenic acids like siaresinolic acid (19-
hydroxyoleanolic acid) and sumaresinolic acid (6-hydroxy-oleanolic acid); traces of vanillin, phenylpropyl
cinnamate, cinnamylcinnamate, and phenylethylene.
Uses
Sumatra Benzoin possesses expectorant, antiseptic, carminative, stimulant, and diuretic properties. It is used in
cosmetic lotions, perfumery and to prepare Compound Benzoin. It forms an ingredient of inhalations in the
treatment of catarrh of upper respiratory tract in the form of Compound Benzoin Tincture. Benzoin is used as an
external antiseptic and protective, and is one of the main ingredients of Friar’s Balsam. It is also used to fix the
odour of incenses, skin-soaps, perfumes and other cosmetics and for fixing the taste of certain pharmaceutical

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preparations. Benzoin retards rancification of fats and is used for this purpose in the official benzoinated lard,
also used in food, drinks and in incense.
Allied Drug
Palembang benzoin, an interior variety produced in Sumatra is collected from isolated trees from which the resin
has not been stripped for some time. It is very light in weight and breaking with an irregular porous fracture. It
consistsof reddish-brown resin, with only a few very small tears embedded in it. Palembang benzoin is used as a
source of natural benzoic acid.

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