This document discusses the pharmacognosy of almonds. It describes almonds as coming from the Prunus genus, and lists their biological source and kingdom. Sweet almonds are edible while bitter almonds contain toxic chemicals. The document outlines the plant's physical characteristics and where it is cultivated. It also details the nutrients, minerals, and phytochemicals contained in almonds, such as fatty acids, vitamins, fibers, and amygdalin. The uses of almond oil and its essential oil are explained. Finally, some medicinal uses of almonds are listed.

1. PHARMACOGNOCY OF
ALMOND
PREPARED BY,
PRASHANT M. PATIL.
COLLEGE NAME – R.C.P.I.P.E.R.,SHIRPUR

3. Kingdom – Plantae
Order – Rosales
Family – Rosaceae
Genus – Prunus
Species – P. Dulcis

4. Almonds are a familiar type of nut.
They can be sweet or bitter, depending on
the type of tree.
BIOLOGICAL SOURCE-
•Sweet almond (Prunus amygdalus var.
dulcis) and does not contain poisonous
chemicals.
•Bitter almond from (Prunus amygdalus var.
amara) and contain toxic chemicals.

5. Trees about 5 m in height.
Young fruit have a soft wall
Fruit ripens to form a pitted
wall or shell.
 The seeds length from 1.5 cm
to 5 cm,
Odor :( benzaldehyde odor )
bland odor
Origin: Iran & Asia minor and now
cultivated in the warm temperate
regions .
Rose color
flowers

6. Seeds
Skin

7. Fats: Unsaturated oleic, linoleic fatty acids,
and palmitic acid..
Glycoside: Amygdalin
Vitamins: E, (α-tocopherol), Vit B complex
(RiboflavinB2,Niacin)
Dietary fibers
Minerals: Magnesium, Phosphorus, Calcium, Potassium
Polyphenolic;
flavonols (quercetin)

8. 8

9. Amygdalin : poisonous cyanogenetic
glycoside found in the seeds of bitter almonds
which upon enzymatic hydrolysis with
emulsin give rise to hydrocyanic acid(HCN),
benzaldehyde, suger.
Amygdalin enzyme emulsin + H2O
HCN + benzaldehyde (V.O)
+glucose

10. Riboflavin :is essential for oxidation
reduction reactions in the cell and
in cellular respiration.
Vitamin E :is the major antioxidant
in body tissues and is defense against lipid
peroxidation,
protecting cell membranes
from free radical attack.

11. Bitter almond used as sedative
due to HCN content.
Demulcent in skin-lotion.
Help in weight loss as it contain healthy fats.
Make teeth, bone stronger.
Antioxidants fight free radical damage
Nourishes nervous system.
Relief from constipation.
Treatment of heart burn.

12. Both varieties contain 40-
55 % fixed oil,
20% protein,
mucilage & emulsin.
Bitter almonds contain 2.5-
4% cyanogenic glycoside,
amygdalin.

13. Almond oils is produced by
grinding the seeds &
expressing them in a canvas
bag between slightly heated
iron plates. the oil is then
clarified by subsidence and
filtration.
Oil is pale yellow liquid with a
slight odour & bland, nutty
taste.

14. Essential oil is obtained from
the cake left after expressing
bitter almonds. This is
macerated with water for some
time to allow for the hydrolysis
of amygdalin.
The benzaldehyde and
hydrocyanic acid are separated
by steam distillation.

15. Ablution articles.
Mild laxative action.
Volatile almond oil is used as a
flavouring agent.
Preparing emulsion and
as vehicle for oily injections
Cosmetics – hair and skin creams
and lotions

17. Sedative medications: Phenobarbital
Diazepam
Vitamin C
Grains & Eggs