WHO monographs on selected medicinal plants - travolekar.ru

Semen Cardamomi
ner epidermis of flattened cells. Perisperm of thin-walled cells, packed with
minute starch grains, 1–6 μm in diameter, and containing 1–7 small prisms
of calcium oxalate, about 10–20 μm long. Endosperm, of small thin-walled
parenchymatous cells, each filled with a hyaline or granular mass of protein
but no starch; embryo, of small thin-walled cells containing aleurone grains;
fibrous sclerenchyma and large vessels present in pericarp (2, 3).
Powdered plant material
Reddish to greyish-brown, characterized by numerous fragments of
perisperm cells, each filled with starch granules and containing one or
more prisms of calcium oxalate, 10–25 μm long; polyhedral masses of adherent
starch granules from perisperm, individual granules, up to 4 μm in
diameter; numerous fragments of yellowish to reddish-brown sclereids;
occasional particles of epidermal cells, often crossed at right angles by the
cells of the collapsed layer (2).
General identity tests
Macroscopic and microscopic examinations (1–3, 5–8, 14).
Purity tests
Microbiology
Tests for specific microorganisms and microbial contamination limits are
as described in the <strong>WHO</strong> guidelines on assessing quality of herbal medicines
with reference to contaminants and residues (16).
Chemical
To be established in accordance with national requirements.
Foreign organic matter
Not more than 3% (2, 17).
Total ash
Not more than 6% (3, 6–8, 17).
Acid-insoluble ash
Not more than 4% (1, 3, 5–8).
Water-soluble extractive
Not less than 10% (3).
Alcohol-soluble extractive
Not less than 2% (3).
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