WOOD: QUASSIA - EXPERIMENT

Synonyms:

Bitter wood, Jamaica quassia,Quassiae lignum

Biological source: It consists of the dried stem wood of Picrasma excelsa

Family: Simarubiaceae

Morphology:

Size: 30cm diameter

Shape: occurs in logs, chips, raspings

Color: logs are covered with dark grey cork, wood is yellowish white to yellow with frequent black marking of fungus.

Odour: no

Taste : intensely bitter

Fracture: Granular

Chemical constituents:

The active constituents of Quassia wood are amaroid(terpenoid) compounds like Quassin, neoquassin, isoquassin(picrasmin) and 18 hydroxy quassin.

Drug also contains alkaloids, but does not contain tannins.

Because of yellow substance present, in shows blue fluorescence in acidified alcohol.

It also contains flavonoid scpoletin.

Uses:

·         Bitter tonic

·         It is given as an enema in the form of infusion to expel thread worms (anthelmintic)

·         Quassia possesses insecticidal properties.

·         Quassia preparations are used for denaturing alcohol.