Powder Microscopy Lessons

Powder Microscopy

Pharmacognostic Powder Analysis

Identify crude drug powders using characteristic microscopic markers — stomata, trichomes, calcium oxalate crystals, fibres and stone cells.

Lessons

Easy

Medium

Hard

3 lessons

Paracytic stomata, unicellular warty trichomes, and rosette crystals of calcium oxalate — hallmark of this anthraquinone laxative.

Stone cells in groups, lignified trichomes with thick walls, endosperm cells containing aleurone and fixed oil — strychnine alkaloids.

Anomocytic stomata, non-glandular trichomes, prismatic calcium oxalate crystals in mesophyll cells — cardiac glycoside source.

Want to practise identification under time pressure? The histology and pathology spot tests are open now.