P. Sudhakar

Solid state structural studies of saccharin salts with some heterocyclic bases

Five saccharin salts with heterocyclic bases 1,2-bis(4-pyridyl)ethane, 1; trans-1,2-bis(4-pyridyl)ethylene, 2; piperazine, 3; 1,4-dimethylpiperazine, 4 and 2,2′-dipyridylamine, 5 have been synthesized and characterized by single crystal X-ray diffraction. The crystal structures reveal that in all the salts, the hydrogen atom has been transferred from saccharin nitrogen to the base nitrogen and sustained through charge-assisted hydrogen bonds. In salts 1–3, N+–H donor forms N+–H⋯O hydrogen bonds with the carbonyl oxygen of saccharinate, whereas it forms N+–H⋯N− in 4 and intramolecular N+–H⋯N in 5. Salts 2 and 3 also form weak N+–H⋯N−hydrogen bonds. Only in salt3, the SO2 moiety is involved in conventional hydrogen bonding.

Pharmacognostic and HPTLC Finger printing of Gardenia gummifera L.F.

Gardenia gummifera L.f. is a shrub belonging to the family Rubiaceae. The leaves are used in the treatment of ringworms, malaria. The present paper provides a detailed account of the pharmacognostical studies. The study includes macro and micro morphological characters including powder characteristics, organoleptic characters, HPTLC finger printing and preliminary phyto-chemical aspects. This study would help as an appropriate source for authentification of the present studied drug.

Standardization of homoeopathic drug: Buxus sempervirens L.

Background: Buxus sempervirens L. (Buxaceae), is a small tree, used in Homoeopathy for acute pain, increase in pulse rate and nausea. Leaves and stems are used in the preparation of medicine. Objective : The pharmacognostic and physico-chemical studies are carried out to facilitate use of correct species and standard raw materials. Material and Methods: Pharmacognostic studies of leaf and stem of authentic samples of Buxus sempervirens have been carried out. Physico-chemical parameters of the raw drug, namely, extractive values, ash value, formulation besides weight per milliliter, total solids, alcohol content, High Performance Thin Layer Chromatography (HPTLC) and Ultraviolet (UV) studies are given for the mother tincture. Results: The leaves are nearly sessile, opposite, entire, narrowly lanceolate or ovate and up to 2.5 cm. The stomata are paracytic and confined to the abaxial side. Unicellular conical hair and peltate scaly hair occur on the adaxial side near the base. The midvein is ribbed on either sides. Crystalliferous idioblasts occur towards the abaxial side at the midvein and lamina. Secretory canals occur in the mesophyll. A single vascular bundle is present in the midvein. The stem is quadrangular. The vascular tissue is present as a cylinder with four cortical bundles, one each in the angles. The microscopical and organoleptic characteristics of the powder are provided. Conclusion: The powder microscopic features and organoleptic characters along with anatomical and physico-chemical studies are diagnostic to establish the standards for ensuring quality and purity of the drug.