- The pharmacological agents which are used in treatment of rheumatism are called as Antirheumatic drugs.
- e.g.
Guggul
Cholchicum.
Nirgundi.
Guggul
Synonyms: Indian Bdelium, Scented Bdelium, Guggul Gum, Guggulu. Biological Source: Guggul consists of oleo-gum-resin obtained by making incisions to the bark of plant known as "Commiphora weightti " belonging to the family "Burseraceae". Geographical Distribution: Its cultivated majorly in countries like India, pakistan, Baluchistan and arabian countries.
Color Brown to pale yellow to dull green. Odor Aromatic, balsmic. Taste Characteristic Bitter Size 0.5 to 1 cm diameter Shape rounded or irregular tears.
- Chemical Constituents:
- Guggul is a oleo-gum-resin.
- The chief active constituents of the volatile oil portion are,
- Myrcene
- Dimyrcene.
- Polymyrcene.
- Caryophylline.
- The chief active constituents from resin portion are,
- Guggulosterone Z
- Guggulosterol I, II and III.
- Uses:
- As Antirheumatic in treatment of rheumatism.
- As Anti-inflammatory.
- As Hypolipidaemic and hypocholesteremic.
Chemical Tests:
- To ethyl acetate extract of drug add acetic anhydride, boil, cool and add 2 ml of H2So4, green color develops at the junction of two liquids due to presence of steroids.
Indian Cholchicum.
- Synonyms: Cholchicum seeds.
- Biological Source: Indian CHolchicum consists of dried seeds of the plant known as “Cholchicum luteum” belonging to the family “Lilliaceae”.
- B.P. variety is "Cholchicum automnale"
- Geographical Distribution: IWestern Himalaya, Kashmir and Chamba.
- Organoleptic Characters:
Color | Dark reddish brown pitted and sturdy | |
Odor | None | |
Taste | Bitter and acrid | |
Size | 2-3 mm in diameter. | |
Shape | globular |
- Chemical Constituents:
- Cholchicum contains protoalkaloids as active chemical constituents.
- Chief active constituents of the drug are,
- Cholchicine
- Demecholcine.
- Cholchicoresin, Starch, proteins and fats are inert constituents of the drug.
- Uses:
- As Anti-rheumatic in treatment of rheumatism.
- As Anti-inflammatory in treatment of Gout.
- Used to induce polyploidy in horticulture and medicinal plantation.
- Anticancer (Highly toxic).
- Chemical Test:
- With 70% Sulphuric acid it produces yellow color due to presence of Cholchicine.