Pharmacognosy Quiz Questions And Answers

All of the mentioned plants, kola, tea, and cacao, are sources of purine bases alkaloids. Purine bases alkaloids are a group of organic compounds that are commonly found in plants and have various biological activities. These compounds are known for their stimulant effects and are often used in beverages and food products. Therefore, all of the mentioned plants can be considered as plant sources of purine bases alkaloids.

Prostaglandins are a class of natural products that have potent and diverse biological activities involved in platelet aggregation, pain, and inflammation. They are derived from fatty acids and act as local hormones in the body. Prostaglandins play a crucial role in regulating various physiological processes, including blood clotting, vascular tone, and inflammation. They are involved in mediating pain and fever responses and are also important in reproductive processes. Therefore, prostaglandins are the correct answer as they fit the description provided in the question.

Asafoetida is a resin obtained from the root of certain plants. It is commonly used as a carminative, which means it helps to relieve flatulence and bloating. It is also known for its anti-spasmodic properties, which means it can help to relax and soothe muscle contractions. Therefore, Asafoetida is a suitable answer for a substance that is used as a carminative and anti-spasmodic.

Physostigmine is the correct answer because it is the alkaloid found in calabar bean. Calabar bean is a seed from the plant Physostigma venenosum, and physostigmine is the main active compound present in this seed. It is used in medicine for its cholinergic properties, including its ability to increase levels of acetylcholine in the brain. This alkaloid has various therapeutic applications, such as treating glaucoma and reversing the effects of certain types of drug intoxication.

LSD is the correct answer because it is a hallucinogen derived from ergot. Ergot is a fungus that grows on rye and other grains, and LSD is synthesized from ergotamine, a chemical found in ergot. LSD is known for its hallucinogenic effects, altering perceptions and causing vivid hallucinations. It is a potent psychoactive substance that affects serotonin receptors in the brain, leading to its hallucinogenic properties.

The major carotenoids in plants are b-carotene, lycopene, and a-carotene. Gossypol, on the other hand, is not a major carotenoid found in plants. Therefore, the correct answer is gossypol.

Noscapine is the correct answer because it is a non-narcotic substance that does not possess narcotic properties. It is sometimes referred to as anarcotine because of this characteristic. Hydrocodone, hydromorphone, and papaverine HCI, on the other hand, are all narcotic substances and would not fit the description provided in the question.

Quinine is the correct answer because it is the principal cinchona alkaloid used as an anti-protozoal drug. Cinchona alkaloids are derived from the bark of the cinchona tree and have been used for centuries to treat malaria. Quinine specifically has been proven effective in treating malaria caused by Plasmodium falciparum, the most deadly species of the parasite. It works by interfering with the parasite's ability to break down hemoglobin, ultimately killing the parasite. Chloroquine, quinacrine, quinidine, and eserine salicylate are also anti-protozoal drugs, but they are not the principal cinchona alkaloid used therapeutically.

Nonhydrolyzable tannins are a type of tannins that cannot be broken down by hydrolysis. They usually contain a phloroglucinol nucleus and are typically precipitated by bromine water TS. When heated, they yield catechol. However, they do not give a bluish to black color with ferric chloride. This property is characteristic of hydrolyzable tannins, not nonhydrolyzable tannins.

Ambergris is the correct answer because it is a pathologic product of sperm whales. Ambergris is a waxy substance that forms in the digestive system of sperm whales and is expelled through their feces. It is often found floating in the ocean or washed up on beaches. Ambergris has a unique and pleasant scent, which makes it valuable in the perfume industry.

Protopectase is the correct answer because it is an enzyme that attacks protopectin, breaking it down into soluble pectin. Protopectin is a complex carbohydrate found in plant cell walls that can be converted into pectin through enzymatic action. Pectinase and pectase are enzymes that also act on pectin, but they do not specifically target protopectin. Pectose, on the other hand, is a product of the breakdown of pectin, not an enzyme that breaks down protopectin.

Sodium carbonate can be used to liberate alkaloids from plant components. This is because sodium carbonate is a strong base and can react with acidic components in the plant, such as phenolic acids or tannins, to form water-soluble salts. These salts can then be easily extracted using water. Methanol and ether are organic solvents that can be used for extraction, but they do not have the ability to liberate alkaloids from plant components. Acidulated water, on the other hand, would not be suitable for this purpose as it would not help in liberating alkaloids.

Myrrh is an aromatic resin that was commonly used by the ancient Egyptians in the embalming process. It was one of the ingredients in their embalming material, which was used to preserve the bodies of the deceased. Myrrh has antimicrobial properties and a strong fragrance, making it an ideal ingredient for embalming. It was also used in religious rituals and as a perfume in ancient Egypt. Therefore, myrrh is the correct answer as it is directly associated with the embalming material used by the Egyptians.

Arecaceae is the new name for the family Palmae. This family includes plants commonly known as palms. The name change from Palmae to Arecaceae was made due to taxonomic revisions and advancements in botanical classification. Arecaceae is a widely recognized and accepted name for this family in modern botanical literature.

Porphine is the correct answer because it is the parent nucleus of the chlorophylls. Porphine is a cyclic compound that forms the basis of the chlorophyll molecule, which is responsible for capturing light energy during photosynthesis. It consists of four pyrrole rings joined together, and it is in porphine that the magnesium ion is coordinated. Therefore, porphine plays a crucial role in the structure and function of chlorophylls.

Rosin is the correct answer because it is the solid resin derived from turpentine. It is commonly used in various industries such as music, sports, and manufacturing due to its adhesive properties. Rosin is obtained by distilling the liquid sap of pine trees and then solidifying it. It is used in products like violin bows, shoe soles, and printing inks.

Manihot esculenta is the correct answer because it is commonly known as cassava, a tropical root vegetable that is widely cultivated for its edible starchy tuber. Cassava contains cyanogenic glycosides, which are naturally occurring compounds that can release cyanide when consumed. Therefore, Manihot esculenta is a local source of cyanogenic glycosides.