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Planta Med 1974; 26(7): 293-298
DOI: 10.1055/s-0028-1099390
© Georg Thieme Verlag Stuttgart · New York

THE GLYCOSIDAL CONTENT OF THE DIFFERENT ORGANS OF CITRULLUS COLOCYNTHIS

M. Darwish–Sayed, S. I. Balbaa, M. S. Afifi
  • Pharmacognosy Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Cairo University, Egypt
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Publication Date:
14 January 2009 (online)

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Abstract

A qualitative and quantitative study of the glycosidal content of the different organs and parts of Citrullus colocyntbis Schrad. were undertaken. Qualitative study revealed the presence af α-elaterm 2–D–glucopyranoside and its aglycone in all organs; cucurbitacin B, I, and L (both free and glycosidal forms) in stems, leaves, and fruits. A suggested procedure for the estimation of α-elaterin glycoside was also given. The highest percentage of the glycoside (0.22) was found in the pulp of the fruits and the lowest percentage in the roots (0.049). The seeds, stems, leaves and rind contain 0.18,0.17, 0.15, and 0.08 percent respectively.

The effect of drying on α-elaterin (glycoside) content of the pulp was also carried out. The obtained results showed that the best glycosidal content was obtained by cutting the fruits into 8 equal parts and drying in sun (30–35° C).