A Pharmacognostical Study of Cassia glauca (Lam.) {Senna surattensis (Burm. f .)} Family Fabaceae

Abstract

Cassia glauca Lam. is a tall shrub or small tree native to tropical Asia, cultivated in public gardens in Egypt. Cassia glauca Lam. is used in prescription for treatment of constipation, gonorrhoea, blennorrhoea and diabetes in Indian medicinal system. The seed was found to contain in addition to protein and fixed oil, a polysaccharide and a number of anthraquinone derivatives to which certain biological activities are attributed. The present study includes the following: Part 1: botanical study of the different organs of Cassia glauca Lam. Part II: phytochemical study of the different organs of Cassia glauca Lam. Part III: biological study of the different organs of Cassia glauca Lam. Part 1: Botanical study of the different organs of Cassia glauca Lam Reviewing the available literature; nothing was found dealing with the botanical study of Cassia glauca Lam., therefore this part includes macro and micromorphological studies of the different organs of the plant. Chapter 1: Macromorphology: 1- The stem: The small branches of the stem are cylindrical and have a dark grayish-brown color when old. The surface of the stem is rough showing longitudinal striations and has a woody fibrous fracture. It has faint odour and slightly bitter astringent taste.