Prunus serotina (Wild Cherry) bark contains which constituents?

• A. Cyanogenic glycosides
• B. Saponins
• C. Tannins
• D. Flavonoids

Answer: (A)

Cyanogenic glycosides are the defining constituents of Prunus serotina bark. These compounds, such as prunasin and amygdalin, are stored as glycosides and release hydrogen cyanide when hydrolyzed by plant enzymes or during digestion. This toxin-release feature is characteristic of many Prunus species and underpins both traditional use and the need for caution due to potential toxicity. Saponins, tannins, and flavonoids are common across many plants and do not specifically identify this bark, whereas cyanogenic glycosides provide the distinguishing toxicogenic profile for Prunus serotina. Therefore, cyanogenic glycosides best explain the constituent class in wild cherry bark.