Analytical profiles and monographs: Andrographis, Boswellia, Coleus, Curcuma, Emblica, Psoralea MCQs With Answer

Introduction

Analytical profiles and monographs: Andrographis, Boswellia, Coleus, Curcuma, Emblica, Psoralea MCQs With Answer is a focused question set tailored for M.Pharm students studying Advanced Pharmacognosy-II (MPG 202T). This compilation covers critical analytical parameters, marker compounds, official monograph tests, chromatographic and spectral techniques, and common adulteration and stability concerns of six important medicinal botanicals. The questions are designed to deepen understanding of quality control, standardization and instrumental assays (TLC/HPTLC, HPLC, UV, IR) used in pharmacopeial monographs. Each MCQ includes concise options and correct answers to help students prepare for exams and practical applications in herbal drug analysis and regulatory documentation.

Q1. Which compound is the primary pharmacognostic marker used for standardization of Andrographis paniculata extracts?

• Andrographolide
• Neoandrographolide
• 14-deoxy-11,12-didehydroandrographolide
• Flavonoid glycosides

Correct Answer: Andrographolide

Q2. Which boswellic acid derivative is commonly specified as a marker in Boswellia serrata monographs for anti-inflammatory potency?

• 11-keto-β-boswellic acid (KBA)
• β-boswellic acid
• Acetyl-11-keto-β-boswellic acid (AKBA)
• Oleanolic acid

Correct Answer: Acetyl-11-keto-β-boswellic acid (AKBA)

Q3. Which analytical technique and detection wavelength is most widely used for quantification of curcuminoids in Curcuma longa monographs?

• HPLC-UV at 425 nm
• UV spectrophotometry at 260 nm
• TLC with vanillin-sulfuric acid visualization
• GC-MS

Correct Answer: HPLC-UV at 425 nm

Q4. Forskolin, the marker compound of Coleus forskohlii, is most reliably quantified by which method?

• HPTLC densitometry at 530 nm
• HPLC-PDA at 210 nm
• LC-MS/MS in source fragmentation mode
• Colorimetric assay with Folin-Ciocalteu reagent

Correct Answer: HPLC-PDA at 210 nm

Q5. Emblica officinalis (amla) is characterized by which class of compounds exemplified by emblicanin A and B?

• Hydrolyzable tannins
• Flavonol glycosides
• Lignans
• Alkaloids

Correct Answer: Hydrolyzable tannins

Q6. Which phototoxic furanocoumarin is a major bioactive constituent of Psoralea corylifolia responsible for photosensitizing effects?

• Psoralen
• Isopsoralen
• Bakuchiol
• Coumestrol

Correct Answer: Psoralen

Q7. In pharmacopeial monographs, the test “loss on drying” primarily measures which parameter in crude herbal drugs?

• Volatile oil content
• Moisture and volatile matter
• Ash value
• Extractive value

Correct Answer: Moisture and volatile matter

Q8. Which stationary phase is standard for HPTLC separation of curcuminoids in Curcuma longa analysis?

• Silica gel 60F254
• C18 reversed-phase plates
• Cellulose plates
• Activated alumina

Correct Answer: Silica gel 60F254

Q9. Which spray reagent is typically used to visualize triterpenic boswellic acids on TLC/HPTLC plates?

• Anisaldehyde–sulfuric acid
• Dragendorff’s reagent
• Liebermann–Burchard reagent
• Vanillin–sulfuric acid

Correct Answer: Anisaldehyde–sulfuric acid

Q10. A key microscopical diagnostic feature used in pharmacognostic identification of Andrographis paniculata leaf powder is:

• Presence of glandular trichomes containing diterpene lactones
• Abundant stone cells with calcium oxalate crystals
• Pollen grains in characteristic tetrads
• Secretory canals filled with resinous material

Correct Answer: Presence of glandular trichomes containing diterpene lactones

Q11. Which curcuminoid is the major constituent (curcumin I) in Curcuma longa extracts?

• Curcumin I (diferuloylmethane)
• Demethoxycurcumin
• Bisdemethoxycurcumin
• Tetrahydrocurcumin

Correct Answer: Curcumin I (diferuloylmethane)

Q12. Which substance is a common bulking adulterant added to Boswellia gum resins to increase weight?

• Gum acacia (Acacia gum)
• Fine sand
• Kaolin clay
• Talc powder

Correct Answer: Gum acacia (Acacia gum)

Q13. Which solvent is most commonly recommended for extraction of curcuminoids during official assay procedures?

• Ethanol
• Petroleum ether
• Acetone
• Methanol

Correct Answer: Ethanol

Q14. In IR spectroscopy, which wavenumber is characteristic of the conjugated α,β‑unsaturated carbonyl group present in curcumin?

• 1627 cm-1
• 1735 cm-1
• 1450 cm-1
• 1250 cm-1

Correct Answer: 1627 cm-1

Q15. A commonly used HPLC mobile phase for analyte separation in andrographolide assay comprises:

• Methanol–water (50:50) without modifier
• Acetonitrile–water (60:40) with 0.1% formic acid
• Hexane–ethyl acetate (70:30)
• Water only (isocratic)

Correct Answer: Acetonitrile–water (60:40) with 0.1% formic acid

Q16. Which stability concern is most relevant for psoralen-containing herbal preparations such as those from Psoralea corylifolia?

• Photodegradation upon UV exposure
• Oxidative rancidity by air
• Hydrolysis in mild acid
• Thermal polymerization at room temperature

Correct Answer: Photodegradation upon UV exposure

Q17. For resolution of closely related boswellic acid isomers, which chromatographic technique is preferred in monograph assays?

• Reversed-phase HPLC with C18 column
• Gas chromatography with FID
• Paper chromatography
• Ion-exchange chromatography

Correct Answer: Reversed-phase HPLC with C18 column

Q18. Which pair of compounds are the characteristic hydrolyzable tannins used to identify Emblica officinalis in monographs?

• Emblicanin A and Emblicanin B
• Chebulinic acid and Chebulagic acid
• Gallic acid and Ellagic acid
• Tannic acid and Catechin

Correct Answer: Emblicanin A and Emblicanin B

Q19. In pharmacognostic testing, the “total ash” value of a crude drug represents:

• Inorganic residue remaining after incineration
• Amount of organic matter present
• Volatile oil content of the drug
• Total extractable constituents in solvent

Correct Answer: Inorganic residue remaining after incineration

Q20. Which specific boswellic acid derivative has been shown to be a potent inhibitor of 5-lipoxygenase and is emphasized in Boswellia pharmacology?

• 11-keto-β-boswellic acid (KBA)
• Acetyl-11-keto-β-boswellic acid (AKBA)
• β-boswellic acid
• Acetyl-β-boswellic acid

Correct Answer: Acetyl-11-keto-β-boswellic acid (AKBA)

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