Andrographolide, glycolipids, gugulipids, taxol and miscellaneous phytoconstituents MCQs With Answer

Introduction: This quiz compilation focuses on Andrographolide, glycolipids, gugulipids, taxol (paclitaxel) and selected miscellaneous phytoconstituents — topics central to Advanced Pharmacognosy I (MPG 102T) for M.Pharm students. The questions probe chemistry, biosynthesis, analytical methods, pharmacology, mechanisms of action, formulation challenges, standardization and safety considerations. Each MCQ is designed to reinforce core concepts and encourage deeper understanding required for research, quality control and clinical translation of plant-derived bioactives. Answers are provided for self-assessment. Use these questions to test recall, integrate mechanistic knowledge and prepare for examinations or viva voce on phytopharmaceuticals and their modern applications.

Q1. What is the chemical class of andrographolide isolated from Andrographis paniculata?

• Ent-labdane diterpenoid lactone
• Triterpenoid saponin
• Indole alkaloid
• Flavonoid glycoside

Correct Answer: Ent-labdane diterpenoid lactone

Q2. The primary anti-inflammatory mechanism attributed to andrographolide is:

• Inhibition of nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) activation
• Selective inhibition of COX-2 enzyme
• Direct antagonism of TNF-α receptor
• Inhibition of 5-lipoxygenase (5-LOX)

Correct Answer: Inhibition of nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) activation

Q3. Typical plant glycolipids such as cerebrosides and gangliosides are built on which backbone?

• Glycerol backbone (glycerolipids)
• Sphingosine backbone (sphingolipids)
• Cholesterol backbone (sterol lipids)
• Fatty acid polymer backbone

Correct Answer: Sphingosine backbone (sphingolipids)

Q4. A principal biological role of membrane glycolipids is:

• Cell recognition and membrane microdomain organization
• Long-term energy storage similar to triacylglycerols
• Oxygen transport across membranes
• Catalysis of metabolic reactions as enzymes

Correct Answer: Cell recognition and membrane microdomain organization

Q5. The major active constituents responsible for the hypolipidemic activity of gugulipid are:

• E- and Z-guggulsterones (steroidal plant sterols)
• Diterpenoid resins unique to Commiphora
• Flavonoid glycosides
• Triterpenoid saponins

Correct Answer: E- and Z-guggulsterones (steroidal plant sterols)

Q6. The proposed molecular mechanism by which guggulsterone lowers serum cholesterol involves:

• Antagonism of the farnesoid X receptor (FXR), altering bile acid and cholesterol metabolism
• Direct inhibition of HMG-CoA reductase enzymatic activity
• Selective activation of PPAR-α to increase lipid oxidation
• Physical sequestration of bile acids in the gut lumen

Correct Answer: Antagonism of the farnesoid X receptor (FXR), altering bile acid and cholesterol metabolism

Q7. Paclitaxel (taxol) exerts its anticancer effect primarily by:

• Stabilizing microtubules and preventing their depolymerization
• Promoting microtubule depolymerization leading to mitotic arrest
• Inhibiting topoisomerase II and causing double-strand breaks
• Intercalating DNA and blocking replication fork progression

Correct Answer: Stabilizing microtubules and preventing their depolymerization

Q8. The original natural source of paclitaxel used for clinical development was:

• Taxus brevifolia (Pacific yew)
• Catharanthus roseus (Madagascar periwinkle)
• Podophyllum peltatum (mayapple)
• Camptotheca acuminata (happy tree)

Correct Answer: Taxus brevifolia (Pacific yew)

Q9. Which semi-synthetic precursor isolated from yew species is commonly used to produce paclitaxel commercially?

• 10-Deacetylbaccatin III (semi-synthetic precursor)
• Vinblastine sulfate
• Camptothecin aglycone
• Baccatin V glycoside

Correct Answer: 10-Deacetylbaccatin III (semi-synthetic precursor)

Q10. Which excipient used in the original paclitaxel formulation is associated with severe hypersensitivity reactions?

• Cremophor EL (polyoxyethylated castor oil)
• Polysorbate 80 (Tween 80)
• Polyethylene glycol 400 (PEG 400)
• Dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO)

Correct Answer: Cremophor EL (polyoxyethylated castor oil)

Q11. A validated analytical technique commonly used for quantifying andrographolide in herbal formulations is:

• HPLC with UV detection (validated method)
• Gas chromatography with flame ionization detection (GC-FID)
• Paper chromatography with visual staining only
• Infrared spectroscopy without separation

Correct Answer: HPLC with UV detection (validated method)

Q12. The classic solvent system for extracting glycolipids from plant tissues (Folch method) uses which ratio?

• Chloroform:methanol 2:1 (v/v)
• Hexane:isopropanol 1:1 (v/v)
• Ethanol:water 1:1 (v/v)
• Acetone:ether 3:1 (v/v)

Correct Answer: Chloroform:methanol 2:1 (v/v)

Q13. A significant safety concern with gugulipid use is:

• Induction of hepatic cytochrome P450 enzymes leading to drug interactions
• Marked nephrotoxicity with reduced GFR
• Consistent prolongation of the QT interval on ECG
• Severe, idiosyncratic pulmonary fibrosis

Correct Answer: Induction of hepatic cytochrome P450 enzymes leading to drug interactions

Q14. Tumor resistance to paclitaxel is commonly mediated by:

• Overexpression of P-glycoprotein (MDR1) efflux transporters
• Increased cytosolic glutathione alone
• Enhanced topoisomerase I activity
• Overproduction of cyclooxygenase enzymes

Correct Answer: Overexpression of P-glycoprotein (MDR1) efflux transporters

Q15. Camptothecin, a miscellaneous plant-derived anticancer agent, primarily inhibits which target?

• Topoisomerase I
• Topoisomerase II
• Tubulin polymerization
• DNA alkylation enzymes

Correct Answer: Topoisomerase I

Q16. Andrographolide’s γ-butyrolactone ring shows chemical instability under which condition, affecting formulation stability?

• Alkaline hydrolysis leading to lactone opening
• Complete thermal stability up to 200°C
• Resistance to oxidation under basic conditions
• Insensitive to pH changes but photolabile only

Correct Answer: Alkaline hydrolysis leading to lactone opening

Q17. Gangliosides, a subclass of glycolipids, contribute to immune function by:

• Acting as antigenic determinants and modulating receptor signaling
• Serving primarily as long-term lipid energy reserves
• Forming insoluble extracellular matrix fibers
• Being precursors for peptide hormone synthesis

Correct Answer: Acting as antigenic determinants and modulating receptor signaling

Q18. For quality control of Taxus-derived extracts, which marker is routinely assayed by HPLC/LC-MS?

• Paclitaxel content (assayed by LC-MS/HPLC)
• Artemisinin concentration
• Curcumin percentage
• Berberine level

Correct Answer: Paclitaxel content (assayed by LC-MS/HPLC)

Q19. The clinical evidence base for gugulipid’s cholesterol-lowering efficacy can best be described as:

• Mixed and inconclusive, with variable trial results
• Conclusive and robust showing large LDL reductions
• Consistently harmful leading to widespread bans
• Evidence limited to animal studies only with no human trials

Correct Answer: Mixed and inconclusive, with variable trial results

Q20. Saponins, common miscellaneous phytoconstituents, are characterized pharmacologically by:

• Hemolytic and immune adjuvant properties (surface-active saponins)
• Exclusive role as enzyme cofactors with no membrane activity
• Being non-surface active antioxidants only
• Acting solely as local anesthetics when applied topically

Correct Answer: Hemolytic and immune adjuvant properties (surface-active saponins)

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