| Abstract: |
Tribe Cichorieae, subfamily Liguliflorae, family Composesitae is known to include several members which yeild impor—tant compounds used as anticoagulants, antitumor, oestrogenic,anti-inflammatory, in allergic contact dermatitis, insectfeeding deterents, plant growth inhibitors, and microbialgrowth inhibitors. Launaea belongs to this tribe and some ofits species were previously studied and important chemicalconstituents including sesquiterpene lactones, cournarins, p vonoids, steroids and triterpenoid compounds were isolated.This thesis comprises a pharmacognostical study of Launaeaspinosa (Forssk.) Sch.BiP. which is indigenous to Egypt, whereit is used in folk medicine as antifungal and bitter tonic.Literature survey showed almost no information concerning thechemical constituents of this plant and few notes in differentflora regarding its macromorphological characters.Accordingly, it was deemed of interest to investigate theabove mentioned plant phytochemically with a view to isolate,characterise and identify its chemical constituents wheneverpossible. Moreover, the macro—and micromorphology of the plantwas studied in order to identify it in the entire and powde—red. forms.MACRO—AND MICROMORPHOLOGICAIJ STUDY:A— Macromorphology:Launaea spinosa (Forssk.) Sch. BiP., a herbaceous,spinescent, richly branched plant with few small deciduousleaves, showing cylindrical sterns which carry few smalltermina1 and axillary yellowish capitula. The plant flo—wering from March to April.the Leaf: Simple, sessile, exstipulate, green glabrous,with pinnately reticulate venation. The lamina, eitherentire or pinnatisect with triangular lobes having entiremargin and acuminate apex terminating into a short spine.the Stem: Erect, cylindrical, monopodially branched withglabrous green smooth surface above and brownish longit—udinally cracked surface below.
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