Question

Choose the correct combination.

• A. Arachis oil -- rich in MUFA/PUFA, hypoallergenic
• B. Croton oil -- alcohol insoluble, purgative
• C. Chaulmoogra oil -- anti-psoriatic, Hydnocarpus genus
• D. Sunflower oil -- Source of vitamin A, lowers LDL

Hint:

Remember: Chaulmoogra Oil → Hydnocarpus species. This source-drug relationship is frequently asked in pharmacognosy examinations.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Concept: Fixed oils obtained from plants possess characteristic sources, chemical compositions, medicinal applications, and pharmacological properties. In pharmacognosy, questions involving matching of oils with their source plants and therapeutic uses are very common. To identify the correct combination, each statement must be analyzed carefully. A combination is considered correct only when both the source and pharmacological activity are accurately matched.

Step 1: Examine Option (A): Arachis oil -- rich in MUFA/PUFA, hypoallergenic.
Arachis oil, commonly known as peanut oil, is indeed rich in monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA) and polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA). However, peanuts are among the most common food allergens worldwide. Therefore, describing Arachis oil as hypoallergenic is incorrect. Since one part of the statement is incorrect, the entire combination becomes incorrect.

Step 2: Examine Option (B): Croton oil -- alcohol insoluble, purgative.
Croton oil is obtained from Croton tiglium and is well known for its drastic purgative action. However, the statement regarding alcohol insolubility is incorrect. Croton oil exhibits solubility characteristics that do not support this combination as a completely correct statement. Therefore, this option must be rejected.

Step 3: Examine Option (C): Chaulmoogra oil -- anti-psoriatic, Hydnocarpus genus.
Chaulmoogra oil is obtained from species of the genus Hydnocarpus, such as:
• Hydnocarpus wightiana
• Hydnocarpus anthelmintica
• Hydnocarpus kurzii Historically, Chaulmoogra oil has been used in chronic skin disorders and has been associated with therapeutic applications in dermatological conditions. The source genus mentioned in the option is correct and the combination is recognized as the correct answer in pharmacognosy references.

Step 4: Examine Option (D): Sunflower oil -- Source of vitamin A, lowers LDL.
Sunflower oil is rich in unsaturated fatty acids and may contribute to lowering LDL cholesterol levels. However, it is not considered a significant source of vitamin A. This makes the statement scientifically inaccurate. Hence, Option (D) is incorrect.

Step 5: Select the completely correct combination.
After analyzing all four options, only Option (C) contains a correct association between the oil and its botanical source. Conclusion: Chaulmoogra oil is obtained from species of the genus Hydnocarpus and represents the correct combination among the given options. Therefore, the correct answer is Option (C).