Title: Pharmacognosy of Cytisus scoparius Linn.

Objective: Pharmacognostic evaluation of Cytisus scoparius Linn.

Materials and Methods: Young stems were boiled and fixed in F.A.A. (Johansan, 1940). Free hand sections were employed for the purpose of histochemical studies. Microtome sections cut at 12-15 µm were made to study anatomical features following usual paraffin method (Johansan, 1940). Histochemical tests were done after Johansan (1940), Youngken, (1951) and Gibbs (1974).

Results: The stem is dark green in colour with strong aromatic odour. A thick layer of cuticle covers the epidermis. Stomata occur in the furrows either flushed with epidermis or raised. Hypodermis is chlorenchymatous. Vascular tissue is in the form of a continuous ring enclosed by a sclerenchymatous Pericycle.

Histochemistry, microscopical characters of powder, preliminary colour reactions and U.V. studies are also undertaken.

Conclusion: The raw drug consists of branched pentangular twigs, with slightly winged angles. The fracture is short and fibrous. In transaction the stem is stellate, 5-armed with well projected wings. Stomata mostly anomocytic and characterized with a sub-stomatal chamber. Hypodermal cortex extending to the wings, Sclerenchymatous fibres are conspicuous. Vascular bundles are open and collateral. The characteristics may be taken as Pharmacopoeial Standards in respect of the raw drug.

Published in: CCRH, Quarterly Bulletin Vol.20 (3 &4) 1998, pp 18-21.