Question

The swelling index is a specific evaluation parameter mainly used for quality control of

• A. Senna
• B. Aloe
• C. Ispaghula
• D. Digitalis

Hint:

Swelling index is important for mucilage-containing drugs such as ispaghula.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Concept:
Swelling index is used for crude drugs containing mucilage. It measures the ability of a drug to swell in water.

Step 1: Understanding swelling index.
Swelling index indicates the volume increase when a mucilage-containing drug absorbs water.

Step 2: Ispaghula and mucilage.
Ispaghula husk contains a high amount of mucilage. When it comes in contact with water, it swells strongly.

Step 3: Quality control importance.
The swelling index helps assess the quality and effectiveness of ispaghula as a bulk-forming laxative.

Step 4: Checking other options.
Senna is mainly evaluated for anthraquinone glycosides.
Aloe is evaluated for anthracene derivatives.
Digitalis is evaluated for cardiac glycosides.
Ispaghula is specifically evaluated by swelling index.

Step 5: Final answer.
Therefore, swelling index is mainly used for quality control of ispaghula. \[ \boxed{\text{Ispaghula}} \]