(A)
P-2-iv
Q-3-i
R-1-ii
S-4-iii

(B)
P-3-iv
Q-1-i
R-5-ii
S-6-iii

(C)
P-4-iv
Q-3-i
R-1-v
S-2-vi

(D)
P-4-iii
Q-2-ii
R-5-i
S-6-iv

Correct Answer

✅ Option (A)

Detailed Explanation

Plant secondary metabolites have specific medicinal uses and are often associated with distinct source plants.

P. Guggulsterol → Anti-rheumatic → Commiphora wightii

• Guggulsterol is obtained from the resin of Commiphora wightii.

• It has strong anti-inflammatory and anti-rheumatic properties.

• ✔ Correct match: P-2-iv

Q. Shikonin → Dye → Lithospermum erythrorhizon

• Shikonin is a naphthoquinone pigment.

• Widely used as a natural red dye.

• Extracted from roots of Lithospermum erythrorhizon.

• ✔ Correct match: Q-3-i

R. Ajmalicine → Anti-hypertensive → Catharanthus roseus

• Ajmalicine is an indole alkaloid.

• Used as an anti-hypertensive drug due to vasodilatory effects.

• Sourced from Catharanthus roseus.

• ✔ Correct match: R-1-ii

S. Glycyrrhizin → Sweetener → Glycyrrhiza glabra

• Glycyrrhizin is a natural sweetening compound.

• About 50 times sweeter than sucrose.

• Obtained from licorice root (Glycyrrhiza glabra).

• ✔ Correct match: S-4-iii

Why Option (A) Is Correct

Option (A) correctly matches all four compounds with their appropriate medicinal uses and authentic source plants.
All other options contain one or more incorrect pairings.

Quick Exam Memory Tips

• Guggulsterol → Anti-rheumatic → Commiphora

• Shikonin → Dye → Lithospermum

• Ajmalicine → Anti-hypertensive → Catharanthus

• Glycyrrhizin → Sweetener → Licorice

Exam Relevance

🔹 Frequently asked in CSIR-NET Life Sciences
🔹 Important for plant secondary metabolism & economic botany
🔹 High-yield match-the-following topic