The seed

Definition: The Seed is a mature fertilized ovule containing an embryo (originated from fertilized ovules). The function of the seed is to ensure the propagation of the plant.

Structure of Mature ovule

stigma style micropyle Ovary wall Ovum (zygot) Outer integument

nucellus

Polar nuclei

1ry endosperm nucellus

Embryo sac [ 7-8 nuclei ] Inner integument Antipodal cells chalaza funicle

Vascular bundle

Outgrowths of testa
1- Arillus or Arili It arises from the funicle or from the tissue of the hilum and partly or completely enveloping the seed. It may be fleshy as in texture or dry and membranous as in Cardamom. 2- Arillode It arises from the tissue of the micropyle and partly or completely covering the seed, being usually fleshy as in Euonymus. N.B. The outgrowth of Nutmeg, named mace, arises from the tissues of both funicle and micropyle and thus it is considered as Arillus or Arillode. 3- Caruncle It is a localised fleshy outgrowth, formed from the tissue in the neighbourhood of the micropyle and covers it as in Ricinus and Croton seeds. 4- Strophiole It is a local, usually barrel-shaped enlargement along the line of the raph, due to an increase in the amount of parenchyma around the vascular strand of the raph as in Colchicum seed. 5- Wing It is an extension of the testa in the form of a membranous fold as in Pinus or in the form of plume of hairs at the summit as in Apocynaceae or at the base as in Salix or at both ends of the seed as in Alstonia. The plume is sessile and when borne on a stalk it is termed awn as in Strophanthus.

A- Cardamom (illuars). B- Nutmeg (mace). C- Castor seed (caruncle). D- Colchicum seed (strophiole). E- Salix seed (tuft of hairs). F- Argel seed (tuft of hairs). G- Pinus seed (with a wing) .H- Strophanthus seed (awn).a., awn; ca., caruncle.

A- Cardamom (arillus) .B- Nutmeg (mace) .C- Castor seed (caruncle). D- Colchicum seed (strophiole). E- Salix seed (tuft of hairs) .F- Argel seed (tuft of hairs). G- Pinus seed (with a wing) .H- Strophanthus seed (awn) .a., awn; ca., caruncle.

Structure of the Seed

Testa: Developed from the integuments of the ovule. The Embryo: Developed from the fertilized ovum. The Endosperm: Surrounding the embryo and developed from the primary endosperm nucleus of the embryo sac. The Perisperm: Formed from nucellus. The Kernel Contain of all the tissues of the seed endosed within the testa. It may be formed of the embryo alone or of embryo surrounding by endosperm or persisperm or both.

 Exalbuminous: In which the kernel consists of an embryo alone e.g. mustard. Albuminous: In which the kernel consists of an embryo and surrounding by endosperm (e.g. linseed, fenugreek, nuxvomica) or both perisperm and of endosperm (e.g. cardamom, nutmeg)

Funicle or hilum (h.) Chalaza (ch) Micropyle (m.) Embryo sac (es.)

Atropous

Types of ovules

Anatropous

No raphe
Campylotropous

raphe
Amphitropous

 Forms of Embryo A- Incumbent, entire. F- Spiral B- Incumbent, in T.C. G- Coiled.C- Accumbent, entire. H- Orthoplocus D- Accumbent, in T.S. I- Orthoplocus, in T.S.E-Spiral embryo.Cots., cotyledons, En., endosperm, Rad., radicle; T., testa.

5 Forms of Embryo A-Incumbent,entire. B-Incumbent,inT.C.. C-Accumbent,entire. D-Accumbent,inT.S.. E-Spiral embryo. F- Spiral G- Coiled H- Orthoplocus I- Orthoplocus, in T.S Cots., cotyledons, En., endosperm, Rad., radicle; T., testa.

Funicle or hilum (h.) Chalaza (ch) Micropyle (m.) Embryo sac (es.)

Atropous

Types of ovules

Anatropous

No raphe
Campylotropous

raphe
Amphitropous

Linseed
Origin: Linseed is the dried ripe seeds of Linum usitatissimum Linn Family: Linaceae.

 Oval, flattened and shiny brown. Type of seed: Albuminous. Type of ovule: Anatropous. Type of embryo: Straight. Odor: Odorless when entire but characteristic when crushed. Taste: mucilaginous, bitter, oily.

Constituents:
-30 to 40% of fixed oil. , 40% has high content of the unsaturated fatty acids and must be consumed as part of diet. - 25% of protein. 25% - 3-6% of mucilage -Small amount of a cyanogentic glycoside called linamarin.

hypodermis sclereids Nutritive layer

Pigment layer

Characters of powder:
Powdered Linseed has a characteristic odour and a mucilaginous oily taste. Microscopically, it is characterized by: Numerous oil globules, stained red with globules, alkana tincture and sudan III. III. Fragments with yellowish-brown yellowishsclerenchymatous cells, generally appearing cells, crossed by thin walled elongated cells on one side and by rounded somewhat thickened parenchyma on the other. This structure called mat like shape.

Characters of powder

Chemical test
Linamarin + H2O 37C Glucose + Acetocyanohydrin Enzymatic hydrolysis Acetone + HCN HCN Na-Picrate Na-Picramate (Yellow) Reduction (Brick red)

Key elements

1- Pigment layer

2- Sclerieds

Uses and actions

-In folk medicine, in acute or chronic gastritis. -Omega-3 fatty acids have demonstrated antiOmegaantiinflammatory effect used in patients with rheumatoid arthritis and psoriasis. anti-hypercholesterolaemia. As anti-hypercholesterolaemia. Also against angina and thrombosis since they reduce the whole blood viscosity. -Externally as an emollient in poultices for boils, carbuncles. -Linseed whole or crushed is used as a bulk forming laxative in habitual constipation, due to its mucilage constipation, which has a lubricant effect.

Black Mustard
Origin Black mustard is the dried ripe seeds of Brassica nigra. Family Cruciferae Constituents - Mucilage; - Fixed oil and Protein. - Glycoside, sinigrin +myrosin enzyme in the presence of water yield glucose+ potassium sulphate + allylisothiocyanate (volatile oil).

 Uses and actions: -spice, and as a rubefacient when applied externally.

Brassica Alba
White mustard and Yellow mustard

Origin White mustard is the dried ripe seeds of Brassica alba Family Cruciferae.

 -Fixed oil and protein. -Mucilage. -Crystalline glycoside, sinalbin+ myrosin enzyme + water yield glucose + K-acid sinapine sulphate + acrinyl-iso-thiocyanate. acrinyl isothiocyanate with a pungent taste and powerful rubefacient action as it is not volatile.

Constituents:

Sclerieds of black mustard

Pigment layer of linseed

Semen Foenugreek

Origin: Foenugreek is the dried ripe seeds of Trigonella foenum-graecum Linne Family Leguminosae.

Nutritive layer

Embryo & endosperm

Palisade cells

Basket cells

Constituents: Mucilage. -Alkaloids : trigonelline and choline -Flavonoids: apigenin, luteolin and quercetin. -Saponins Glycosides -coumarin, lipids (5-8 %), vitamins and minerals (a rich source of selenium).

Uses and actions

- lactagogue. demulcent, and laxative. -. Foenugreek revealed hypocholesterolemic and hypoglycemic actions in normal and diabetic humans. --Selenium has cytotoxic effect. It is used to prevent colon, lung and prostate cancer.

Semen Psyllii
Psyllium seed,

Origin Dried ripe seed of Plantago psyllium L. and P. albicans L. fam. Plantaginaceae.

1.

Constituents : mucilage. fixed oil and protein. iridoid glycosides e.g. aucubin

Uses and actions:

laxative (bulk laxative) especially in pregnant women Contraindication: Abnormal narrowing of the gastro intestinal tract (intestinal occlusion).

Semen Strychni

Origin: Dried ripe seeds of Strychnos nux vomica family: Loganiaceae.

Characters of powder
1- Sclereid epidermis with thick lignified walled (ten ribed lignified trichomes). 2- Numerous fragments of endosperm with hemicellulosic thick -walled polyhedral cells interconecting by a channels called plasmodesma. 3- Numerous lignified rod shaped fragments of ribs. Constituents: -Indole alkaloids: strychnine and brucine (1.8-5.3%). Strychnine is much more physiologically active than brucine. -The seeds also contain chlorogenic acid and an iridoid glycoside (loganin). This compounds are intermediates in the biogenesis of the strychnine type alkaloids

Lignified ribs

Constituents:
-Indole alkaloids: strychnine and brucine

Uses and actions : It increases the blood pressure used as a circulatory stimulant in such cases as surgical shock Used as aphrodisiac strychnine used as antidote for barbiturates poisoning.

Toxicity
In large doses, it causes violent convulsions and these involve the respiratory muscles and death ensues from asphyxiation.

Semen Colchici

Origin Colchicum seed is the dried ripe seeds of Colchicum autumnale. Family Liliaceae Constituents -Alkaloid: colchicine. - resin, fixed oil and glucose.

Uses and actions

Colchicum is used as anti-gout. -Colchicine is a plant hormone.

Semen Strophanthi
Origin Strophanthus is the dried ripe seeds of Strophanthus komb, of S . Hispidus. or of S. gratus Family: Apocynaceae deprived of their awns. One gm of Strophanthus corresponds in potency not less than 0.055 gm of the International Standard Ouabain

Constituents: cardiac glycoside

K-Strophanthoside = Strophanthidin + Cymarose + - Glucose + - Glucose * K-Strophanthin-B = Strophanthidin + Cymarose + - Glucose * Cymarin = Strophanthidin + D- Cymarose * Ouabain (GStrophanthin) = Ouabigenin + L rhamnose -ouabain (Gstrophanthin.
It is a potent cardiac glycoside, acts quickly, but wears off rapidly. and must be injected intravenously because it is poorly absorbed orally. Therefore, it has been used for emergency treatment in case of acute heart failure.

Uses and actions

Strophanthus resembles that of digitalis leaves, being cardiac stimulant (in treatment of congestive heart failure, cardiotonic and an efficient diuretic).

Semen Nutmeg

Origin: Nutmeg is the dried ripe seeds of Myristica fragrans. Family Myristicaceae, deprived of its arillus and testa.

Constituents:
-Volatile oil (5 to 15 %) which contains myristicin and elmicin which are related structurally and possess the same stimulant and psychomimetic effect as amphetamine saponin.

Uses and actions

Medicinal: chronic rheumatism. for different types of cancers, antihepatotoxic and as antioxidant. - emmenagogue and abortifacient. -Domestic: Used as a spice in various dishes. Contraindication: Nutmeg has hallucinogenic and MAO (Mono Amine Oxidaze) inhibition effects

Side effects and/or toxicity

-Nutmegs have stimulant and carminative properties; in large doses they are toxic, producing convulsions, an action due to the myristicin contained in the volatile oil. -Nutmeg has hallucinogenic properties for a long time.

Semen Cardamomi -

Origin: Cardamom seed is the dried ripe or nearly ripe seeds of Elettaria cardamomum Family Zingiberaceae, recently separated from the fruit.To protect the lose of volatile oils

Constituents
-Volatile oil yield 4%. -Fixed oil (1-10%) calcium oxalate.(Prisms & sandy)

Uses and actions

-Digestive: aids digestion, improves appetite. -Actions: Antiseptic, antispasmodic, , antiallergic, antioxidant, antitussive and antihepatotoxic effect due to presence of phenolic acids.

Nigella seed ( )

Origin Dried ripe seeds of Nigella sativa. Family: Ranunculaceae.

Constituents
1 - Volatile oil 1.4 %; thymoquinone is the major constituent . 2 - Fixed oil a) Unsaturated fatty acids, linoleic acid (Omega 6) 58 %, linolenic acid (Omega 3). b) Saturated fatty acids as myristic and palmitic acids 3 - Protein composed of nine essential amino acids (not formed by the body) and arginine (amino acid used for infant growth). 4 - Vitamins, ( B1 , B2 , B6 , Niacin ) ,minerals ( Calcium , Iron , Zinc , and Copper ), carbohydrates hexoses and pentoses

Uses and actions

carminative, diaphoretic, digestive, diuretic, emmenagogue, lactagogue , stomachic , tonic and vermifuge . The major uses of Nigella are for upper respiratory conditions, allergies, coughs, colds, bronchitis, fever, flu, asthma, and emphysema for which it is effective

 Nigella has a powerful antiasthmatic effect due to thymoquinone i.e. used in bronchial asthma. Decrease the probability of arteriosclerosis and prevents thrombosis, this is due to the presence of unsaturated fatty acids (Omega 3 & Omega 6). Nigella has antibacterial, antifungal, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-rheumatic

Semen Amygdala dulcis and Amygdala amara

Origin The dried ripe seeds of Prunus communis var. dulcis (sweet almond) and prunus communis var. amara (Bitter almond) Family: Rosaceae

Constituents
-Fixed oil 45-50%, protein 20%, -Amygdalin (cyanogenic glycoside) if bitter almond is crushed and mixed with water, Amygdalin is enzymatically hydrolyzed giving benzaldehyde (volatile oily substance), hydrocyanic acid and glucose

Uses and actions

The seeds and/or oil have been used for all sorts of cancer and tumors. Used as an emollient. -Almond regarded as astringent, carminative, demulcent, diuretic, laxative and tonic. -Raw oil is used for acne. Amygdalin demonstrated anticancer

Evening primrose
Origin

Dried ripe seeds of Oenothera species family Onagraceae.

Constituents
stearic acids. Fixed oil (14%) Known as evening primrose oil EPO. This oil is the best natural source of gamma-linolenic acid (GLA). The EPO contains cis-linoleic, oleic, palmitic and

uses
Evening primrose oil EPO is licensed for the treatment of the following A- Coronary heart diseases (CHD) B- Diabetic neuropathy: Neuropathy is the most common complication of diabetes. PUFA Improve blood circulation around nerves. C- Premenstrual syndrome and clinical mastalgia. D- Atopic eczema, psoriasis, rheumatoid arthritis, post viral fatigue syndrome and asthma.

Semen Pumpkin Cucurbitae Semen

Origin Dried ripe seeds of Cucurbita pepo family Cucurbitaceae

Constituents
-unsaturated fatty acid linoleic (64%) phytosterols, steroidal glucosides , toco pherols ( vitamin E ) - Trace elements particularly selenium, manganese, zinc and copper. - Pectins and protein.

Uses and actions

benign - prostatic hyperplasia - In the treatment of male infertility preventing conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone. This consequantly inhibits testosterone-5alpha-reductase enzyme. zinc and essential fatty acids possessed a synergistic effect.

Semen Ricini
The dried ripe seeds of Ricinus communis, Family Euphorbiaceae Constituents: -The seeds contain 50 % of the fixed oil. It contains Palmitic and Ricinoleic acid. - Protein 26% -Ricinine alkaloid and ricin a toxin similar to bacterial toxin.

Uses and actions:

laxatives. The oil is decomposed by the fat-splitting ferments of the intestinal canal liberating this irritant Ricinoleic acid, to which the purgative action is due.

Contraindication:
Do not use castor oil if you are suffering from kidney, bladder, bile duct, intestine infections or jaundice. Do not use if you are pregnant or nursing. Do not administer this drug to children under 12 years of age.

Side effects and/or toxicity

-The entire plant, including the seeds, contains an irritant substance named ricin that poisons the blood. The oil is safe because the poison remains in the seed where seeds themselves and the cake left after the expression of the oil are violently purgative, a property which is due to the presence of the highly toxic albumin ricin. Ricin exhibits its highest toxicity when injected into the blood. It is of interest to note that immunity was established, by injecting gradually increasing doses of ricin, where an antibody termed antiricin was formed. -Toxic dose: Twelve castor beans are believed to be fatal for an adult. -Symptoms: include severe gastroenteritis, with bloody vomiting and bloody diarrhea, kidney inflammation, loss of fluid and electrolytes and ultimately circulatory collapse. Death is usually the result of hypovolemic shock.

Calabar beans
Origin The dried ripe seeds of Physostigma venenosum Family Leguminoseae Constituents: -The chief constituent is the alkaloid physostigmine (eserine) 0.04-0.3%.

Uses and actions

Chiefly used for diseases of the eye; it causes rapid contraction of the pupil and disturbed vision (Physostigmine Salicylat is preferred for the preparation of eyedrops It has been employed internally for its depressant action in epilepsy (antidote in strychnine poisoning), cholera, etc., and given hypodermically in acute tetanus.

Semen Hippocastani
Origin: Horse chestnut is the dried and fresh kernel of Aesculus hippocostanum L. Family Hippocastamaceae. Constituents: -Saponin referred to as escin (which is a complex mixture of over 30 individual pentacyclic triterpene diester glycosides). -Flavones, caumarins and tannins are also present.

Uses and actions

Traditionally, horse-chestnut has been used for the treatment of varicose veins, haemorrhoids and enlargement of the prostate gland. It also demonstrates antiodema and anti-inflamatory diseases (due to the combination of escin with the flavonoids present in the natural extract). Escin stimulates the release of corticosteroids necessary for the antioedema activity. Antioxidant, hypoglycemic and cytotoxic activities were also reported and attributed to the saponin content of the extract. Their coumarins content, being a vitamin K agonist, inhibits prothrombin production, so inhibit the thrombosis.

Uses and actions

Medicinal: Chiefly used for diseases of the eye; it causes rapid contraction of the pupil and disturbed vision (Physostigmine Salicylat is preferred for the preparation of eye-drops). It has been employed internally for its depressant action in epilepsy (antidote in strychnine poisoning), cholera, etc., and given hypodermically in acute tetanus.

Contraindications
Horse-chest nut should not be applied to broken or ulcerated skin. Side effects and/or toxicity: Overdose will result in damage in the gastrointestinal mucous membrane. The absorbed escin will cause haemolysis associated with kidney damage.

Poppy seeds
Origin: dried ripe seeds of Papaver somniferum (F. Papaveraceae Active Constituents Free from morphine traces of narcotine & Fixed oil

Medicinal uses:
fine oil, drying oil for paints

Syzygium cumini Seed

Origin: Syzygium cumini seed family: (Myrtaceae) Active constituents: Saponin glycosides. Uses: The Syzygium cumini is a traditional medicine plant for the treatment of hypoglycemic, also has antibacterial, antidiarrheal activities and CNS depressant (barbiturate like action).

Side effects and/or toxicity:

In case of poisoning by the beans the stomach should be evacuated and atropine injected until the pulse quickens. With poisoning by physostigmine the stomach should be washed out with 0.2 % of potassium permanganate and atropine and strychnine administered hypodermically.

Black Mustard

Black Mustard

1 1 Palisade layer of the testa in surface view, seen the palisade layer of the testa, seen from

below. from above, showing part of the network 6 Parenchyma of the embryo. arrangement. 7 Palisade layer of the testa in surface view, (a) 2 Endosperm layer (en.s.), in sectional view, with seen from above and (b) seen from below. attached pigment layer of the testa (pg.) and 8 Pigment layer of the testa (pg.) in surface view underlying collapsed parenchymatous cells with part of the underlying endosperm (en.s.). (c.p.). 9 Part of the seed in sectional view showing the 3 Epidermis of a cotyledon in surface view show- epidermis (ep.), hypodermis (h.), palisade ing developing stomata and part of the under- layer (p.l.) and pigment layer of the testa, with lying palisade (pal.). underlying endosperm (en.s.) and collapsed 4 Part of a cotyledon in sectional view showing parenchymatous layers (c.p.). the epidermis (ep.) and underlying mesophyll. 10 Palisade layer of the testa in surface view, from 5 Endosperm layer in surface view with part of below, showing less uniform cells.

Cardamom

Cardamom
1 Epidermis of the testa (ep.) in surface view with 8 Perisperm cells containing starch granules and underlying oil cells. prisms of calcium oxalate. 2 A group of spirally thickened vessels and 9 Part of the sclerenchymatous layer of the testa associated parenchyma. in sectional view showing silica nodules (s.). 3 Sclerenchymatous layer of the testa in surface 10 Sclerenchymatous layer of the testa from an view, seen from above, showing silica nodules immature seed, in surface view. (s.). 11 Parenchyma of the perisperm from which the 4 Oil cells of the testa in surface view containing starch has been removed, showing prisms of globules of volatile oil (v.o.), with underlying calcium oxalate in some of the cells. hypodermis (h.) and epidermis (ep.). 12 Parenchyma of the testa in surface view. 5 Starch granules. 13 Epidermis of the testa in sectional view. 6 Prisms of calcium oxalate. 14 Arillus in surface view. 7 Sclerenchymatous layer of the testa in surface 15 Arillus with underlying epidermis of the testa in view, seen from below. surface view. 46

Foenugreek

Foenugreek
1 Epidermis of the testa in surface view, from 7 Epidermis (ep.) and hypodermis (h.) of the above. testa in surface view, from above. 2 Cuticle (c), epidermis (ep.) and hypodermis 8 Layers of the parenchyma of the testa in surface (h.) of the testa in sectional view. view. 3 Hypodermis of the testa in surface view, from 9 Outermost layer of the endosperm in surface below. view. 4 Epidermis of the testa in surface view, from 10 Epidermis and palisade of the cotyledons in below. sectional view. 5 Epidermis and parenchymatous cells of the 11 Undifferentiated parenchyma of the cotylecotyledons in sectional view. dons. 6 Part of the seed in sectional view showing the 12 A single layer of the parenchyma of the testa in epidermis, hypodermis and parenchymatous surface view. layers (p.) of the testa and the outermost layer (en.s.) and the mucilage cells (mu.) of the endosperm.

Linseed

Linseed
1 Pigment layer of the testa in surface view show- 7 Part of a cell of the sclerenchymatous layer in ing the cells containing pigment (pg.c.) and longitudinal sectional view, showing the denunderlying endosperm cells (en.s.). tate outline corresponding to the adjacent 2 Epidermis (ep.) and two layers of parenchyma parenchymatous cells. of the testa (p.) in sectional view. 8 Part of the testa in surface view showing the 3 Part of the testa in surface view showing the epidermis (ep.) and underlying parenchyma epidermis (ep.), two layers of parenchyma (p.) (p.). and sclerenchyma (s.l.). 9 Thick-walled cells of the sclerenchyma layer in 4 Pigment layer of the testa (pg.) and endosperm surface view. (en.s.) in sectional view. 10 Thin-walled cells of the sclerenchyma layer 5 Isolated masses of pigment. (s.l.) in surface view, with associated hyaline 6 Part of the testa in sectional view showing the layer (hy.). sclerenchymatous layer (s.l.), collapsed hyaline 11 Moderately thickened cells of the sclerenchyma layer and pigment layer. layer in surface view.

Nux Vomica

Nux Vomica
1 Part of the sclerenchymatous epidermis of the testa in side view, with parts of the trichomes testa in side view, with broken-off remains of the attached. trichome rods attached. 7 Sclerenchymatous layer of the testa in surface 2 Part of a large trichome. view showing the bases of the lignified rods and 3 Outer part of the endosperm in sectional view. pigment (pg.) in some of the cells. 4 An almost complete trichome showing the 8 Endosperm cells from the central region, rounded apex. 9 Outer layer of the endosperm in surface view, 5 Fragments of trichome rods. with associated pigment layer of the testa (pg.). 6 Part of the sclerenchymatous epidermis of the

Strophanthus

Strophanthus
1 Sclerenchymatous epidermis of the testa in sur- lapsed layers of the testa and the outermost face view showing the remains of the trichomes layer of the endosperm (en.s.). on some of the cells. 9 Parenchyma of the cotyledons. 2 Part of a cotyledon in sectional view. 10 Calcium oxalate cluster crystals. 3 Layers of the endosperm in surface view. 11 Sclerenchymatous epidermis of the testa in sur4 Epidermis of a cotyledon in surface view. face view. 5 Sclerenchymatous layer of the testa in sectional 12 Parenchyma and vessels of the raphe. view showing an attached trichome. 13 Outer part of the seed in sectional view showing 6 Trichomes. broken epidermal cells, collapsed pigment 7 Fragments of trichomes. layers of the testa and the outer layer of the 8 Tissues of the raphe in sectional view showing a endosperm, group of vessels, parenchymatous cells, col