pharmaceutical aids from natural sources

Pharmaceutical AidsPharmaceutical Aids

Dr. Yogesh V. UshirPharmacognosy

16-Feb-16 SMBT IODP, Nandi Hills 1

AcaciaAcaciaSynonym: acacia, gunder, gum arabicBotanical name: it is obtained from gummy exudates obtained from the stem & branches of Acacia arabica Family: LeguminaceaeGeo. Source: India- occurs in Punjab, Rajasthan & western ghatsCollection- evergreen tree with short trunk. It is not cultivated commercially. Gum collected from wild grown plants, made free of bark & foreign organic matter, dried in sun.


Description:Color- tears are cream – brown to red in color, while powder is light brown in colorOdor- odorlessTaste- bland & mucilaginousSize & shape- irregular brown tears of varying size Extra feature- tears are glossy & marked with minute fissure & are brittle in natureSolubility- water soluble, viscous & acidic. Insoluble in alcoholStd- should contain NMT 15 % of moisture & 5 % of ash. Not contain tannin, starch & dextrin


Chemical Constituents:It is carbohydrates in the form of gum Consist principally of Arabin. Which is Ca, Mg, & K salt of arabic acidArabic acid (hydrolysis) L- arabinose + L- Rhamnose

+ D- Galactose +D- glucuronic acidEnzymes as oxidases, peroxidases & pectinases

Identification: Lead subacetate + aqs. Sol. Gelatinous appearanceRuthenium red + aqs. Sol. Pink colorH2O2 + benzidine + aqs. Sol. Blue color due to oxidase enz


Uses:DemulcentSuspending agentEmulsifying agentBinding agentIV in haemolysis

Substitutes & adulterants: Acacia- Acacia senegal (85% world requirement). Tears are rounded or ovoid & about 5-40 mm in diameter. Tears are yellowish white in color use as substitutes for Indian gumIndian gum adulterated with gum ghatti, from Anogeissus latifolia (combretaceae). Outer surface is dull & without fissure, it shows very slight ppt with lead subacetate sol & its aqs sol is highly viscousStarch, tragacanth, sterculia gum are the other adulterant of acacia & dextrin


Guar GumSynonym: Guar flourBotanical name: it is powder obtain from endosperm of seed of Cyamopsis tetragonolobusFamily: LeguminosaeGeo. Source: Gujarat, Maharashtra, Karnataka and PakistanDescription: color- pale yellow, odor- characteristic, taste- gummy, solubility- forms colloidal solution with water and insoluble in water


Chemical Constituents:It is carbohydrates in the form of gum Consist principally water soluble part as, 85% guaran. Which is polysaccharide hign molecular weight substance responsible for colloidal nature.Guaran (hydrolysis) 35% Galactose + 65% MannoseAlso consist protein (5-6%)

Identification: Weak iodine solution+ aqs. Sol. Olive green colorRuthenium red + aqs. Sol. No Pink color2% lead acetate sol + aqs. Sol. Ppt.H2O2 + benzidine + aqs. Sol. No Blue color


Uses:Emulsifying agentBinding agentProtective agentThickening agentIn cosmetic, food, paper, textile, printing industry; used as a polishing agentBulk laxativeAppetite depressantIn peptic ulcerIt reduces cholesterol content

Equivalency: 1% mucilage of guar gum have equivalent viscosity of acacia3 % mucilage of guar gum have equivalent viscosity of tragacanth


TragacanthTragacanthSynonym: Gum tragacanth, TragacanthaBotanical name: dried gummy exudation obtained by incision from stem & branches of Astragalus gummifer & other species of AstragalusFamily: LeguminaceaeGeo. Source: indigenous to Iran, Greece, Turkey, Iraq & Syria. India- Garwal & central PunjabCollection- shrubs grow at an altitude of 1000-3000 m. the shrubs are thorny. The mode of formation is entirely different from that of acacia, the gum exuding out immediately after injury


Description:Color- flakes are white or pale yellowish-whiteOdor- odorlessTaste- bland & mucilaginousSize & shape- thin ribbon like flakes, more or less curved. 25x12x2 mm size Fracture- shortSolubility- water soluble which swell to homogenous, adhesives gelatinous mass. Insolu in alcohol.


Chemical Constituents:It is carbohydrates in the form of gum Consist principally two portion, soluble & insolubleSoluble portion known as tragacanthin (8-10%) while insoluble portion known as bassorin (60-70%)Chemical investigation put tragacanth in 3 portion

Acidic portion – tragacanthic acid Neutral polysaccharidesGlycosides of steroid in small amount

Bassorin is a complex of polymethoxylated acid which swell in waterIt is the constituents of the gum responsible for its high viscosity


Uses:DemulcentEmolient in cosmeticsMucilage as binding agent in tablet also excipient in the pillThickening, suspending & emulsifying agentPowder is used as an adhesivesUsed in lotions for external use & in spermicidal jelliesstabiliser for ice-cream in 0.2-0.3 % conc., also in sauces

Identification: 10% aqs. FeCl3 + aqs. Sol. (Boil) deep yellow pptRuthenium red + aqs. Sol. No Pink colorLead acetate + aqs. Sol. White ppt.Sol. + 5 % KOH yellow ppt.Sol. + cuprous oxide + Conc. H2SO4 Stringy ppt.


PectinPectinBotanical name: Pectin is a purified carbohydrate product obtained by acid hydrolysis from inner portion of the rind of citrus peels i.e. citrus simon or Citrus aurantium Family: RutaceaeDescription: color- cream or yellowish – colored powder, odor- odorless, Taste- mucilaginous. It is corse or fine light powder & hygroscopic nature. Soluble in 20 parts of water, more soluble in acidic medium. Aqs sol being viscous opalescent, colloidal & mobile. Insoluble in alcohol & other organic solvent


Chemical constituents:It is an carbohydrateTotal hydrolysis of pectin yields D- galacturonic acid, methyl alcohol, small amt of galactose & arabinosePectin should not contain LT 7% of methoxy gr & 78 % of galacturonic acid

Identification tests:10 % aqs sol forms stiff gel on cooling

Uses:Adsorbent in diarrhoea and as haemostatics for internal or ext haemmorrhageEmulsifying agentGelling agentPlasma substituteThickening agent in sauses, jams, ketchups, etc.Used in cosmetics


HoneyHoneySynonym: Madhu, purified honeyBotanical name: is a sugar secretion deposited in honey comb by the bees, Apis mellifera, apis dorsata and other spp of ApisFamily: ApidaeGeo. Source: Africa, Austrelia, Newzealand, California & India Description: color- pale yellow to yellowish-brown, odor- characteristic, pleasant, taste- sweet & faintly acid



WHY HONEY BEES MAKES HONEY

Bees have been producing honey as they do today for at least 100 million years.

Bees produce honey as food stores for the hive during the long months of winter when flowers aren't blooming and therefore little or no nectar is available to them.

Chemical constituents:It is an carbohydrateAqs sol of glucose 35%, fructose 45% and sucrose 2%Maltose, gum, traces of succinic acid, dextrin, formic acid, coloring matters, enzymesPollen grains from various flowers also foundOn keeping it forms crystals is called crystallized dextrose as

Uses:DemulcentSweetning agentAntiseptic & applied to burns & woundsIngredient for cough mixtures, drops & vehicle for Ayurveda formulations

Adulterant : artificial invert sugar, contain furfural which detected by Fiehe’s test. It give instant red color with resorcinol in HCl acid


Granulated honey

Sodium alginateSodium alginateSynonym: Algin, sodium polymannuronateBotanical name: Sodium alginate is the sodium salt of alginic acid.alginic acid is a polyuronic acid composed of reduced mannuronic & glucoronic acids, which are obtained from the algal growth of the species Family: PhaeophyceaeThe common spp are Macrocytis pyrifera, Laminaria hyperborea, Laminaria digitata & Ascohyllum nodosumPurified algae it is purified carbohydrates extracted from brown sea- weed (algae) by treatment of dil. alkaliGeo. Source: sea weed found in atlantic & pacific oceans. In india it is found near coast of saurashtra


Identification1 % sol in water forms heavy gelatinous ppt with dil sulphuric acidAqs sol forms copious ppt with calcium chloride sol

Uses:Suspending & poor Emulsifying agentBinding & disintegrating agent in tab & lozengesThickening agent in sauses, jams, ketchups, etc.Used in textile industriesCa, K alginates are also have medicinal importance


AgarAgarSynonym: agar-agar, japnese Isinglass

Meaning of Agar is Jelly

Botanical name: agar is bleached & dried substance prepared by concentrating a decoction of varoius species of red marine algae belonging to Rhodophyceae class,1. Gelidium species – Gelidiaceae2. Pterocladia species – Gelidiaceae3. Gracilaria species – Gracilariaceae

Geo. Source: sea weed found on coasts of atlantic & pacific oceans i.e. Japan, Aaustralia, new zealand, USA, South Africa, Korea, Spain, & Maxico. In india it is found near coast of Bengal


Chemical Constituents: Agar is heteropolysaccharides i.e. made up of 2 different polysaccharides are; agarose & agaropectin.Other constituents are 6 % nitrogen containing substance & 3.5% cellulose

Identification:Millons’ reagent + aqs. Sol. No PPt. (diff. from gelatin)Tannic acid+ 0.2% aqs. Sol. No PPt. (diff. from gelatin)Ruthenium red + aqs. Sol. Pink color (due to mucilage)Heat Soda lime + aqs sol. No ammonia formation Iodine sol + aqs sol. Creamson to brown color


Uses:◦ Medicinal use- bulk laxatives◦ Industrial use- preparation of culture

medium in microbiology-emulsifying agent,-stbilizing agent-prep of suppositories, pessaries,

jellies, confectionary items- In dentistry

Adulterant◦ Gelatin,


Bees WaxBees WaxSynonym: Cera flana, Cear alba, Mom, MadhujanBotanical name: it is purified wax obtained by melting and purifying the honey comb of Apis mellifera or Apis mellifica Family: ApidaeGeo. Source: the wax is imported from the west Indies, California, Chile, Africa, Madagascar and India

2316-Feb-16 SMBT IODP, Nandi Hills

Description:Color- White, yellow or yellowish brown solid havin m.p. 62-640 C.

Odor- pleasant smell of HoneyTaste- Not specific Solubility- insoluble in water, slightly soluble in alcohol, soluble in chloroform, ether, fixed oil, volatile oil including turpentine oil it brakes with granular fracture

Chemical Constituents:◦ It is lipid in the form of Wax◦ It contain 80% of myricin i.e. myricyl palmitate with little

myricyl stearate. ◦ Also contain 15% free cerotic acid, an aromic sub. Cerolein,

Hydrocarbon, lactones, cholesteryl esters and pollen grains


Types of bees wax-◦ Yellow bees wax (cera flana)◦ White bees wax (Cera alba)- the action of charcoal,

Kmno4, H2O2, chromic acid or chlorine on yellow bees wax result in to white color of bees wax.

Uses-◦ Preparation of ointment, plasters & polishes◦ An hardening agent in lipstick, facial, creams,

candlesAdulterants-

◦ With solid paraffin, various fat and waxes◦ Starch◦ Inorganic sub. Like kaolin, ◦ Foreign coloring matter.


LanolinSynonym: Hydrous lanolin, Adeps lanaeBotanical name: It is purified fat obtained from the wool of the sheep, Ovis aris Linn.Family: BovidaeGeo. Source: Australia, USA, IndiaDescription:

Color-Whitish yellowOdor- characteristicTaste- blandSolubility- in ether and chloroform


Chemical Constituents:◦ It is lipid in the form of fat◦ Contain alcohol like cholesterol, isocholesterol, agnosterol,

lanosterol and small amount of other sterols & fatty alcohols

Use-◦ Use as water absorbanable base for many creams &

ointments preparation◦ Act as emollient & promotes the absorption of drugs by

the skinSubstituent's-

◦ Wool alcohol2716-Feb-16 SMBT IODP, Nandi Hills

Olive OilSynonym: Oleum OlivaeBotanical name: It is fixed oil expressed from the ripe fruit of Olea europoea Family: OleaceaeGeo. Source: Native to Palestine, cultivated in Australia, USA. Largest producer is Italy, Spain and GreeceMethod of preparation: Cold Hydraulic press methodDescription:

Color-pale yellowOdor- slight and characteristicTaste- bland, faintly acridSolubility- in carbon disulphide, ether and chloroform


Chemical Constituents◦ Triglycerides mainly in the form of olein, palmitin and linolein

Chemical test- under UV radiation it gives deep-yellow color

Uses◦ Emollient◦ Soothing agent◦ Soften the skin◦ In eczema & psoriasis◦ Ingredient of ear wax◦ Internally as a nutrient, demulcent, mild laxative◦ Vehicle for oily suspensions for injection


Arachis OilSynonym: Ground nut oil, sweet oilBotanical name: It is fixed oil expressed from the seed kernels of the cultivated varieties of Arachis hypogea Family: LeguminosaeGeo. Source: Indigenous to Brazil, but now cultivated in US, China and IndiaMethod of preparation: Hot expression methodDescription:

Color-pale yellowOdor- faint and characteristicTaste- bland and nut likeSolubility- in light petroleum (40-60), ether and chloroform


Chemical Constituents◦ Glycerides of fatty acids, chiefly oleic, linoleic, stearic, arachidic

acids. Other acids are lignoceric and palmitic acids.

Chemical test- under UV radiation it gives blue color

Uses◦ Preparation of liniments, plasters and soaps◦ Solvent for IM injections◦ Lubricant◦ Edible oil


KaolinSynonym: china clay, Kaolinum proderesum, porcelain clayPurified native hydrated aluminum silicate free from gritty particles.Geo. Source: mainly found in US, England, France and IndiaThe different kaolin are as follows;

Heavy kaolin- it is purified hydrated aluminum silicate powdered so as to make free from gritty particles by elutriation (is a process for separating particles based on their size, shape and density). Have particle size 60µ Light kaolin- it is identical with heavy kaolin, but is limited to certain particle size (10µ) and contains suitable dispersing agent.Natural light kaolin- it is also a native hydrated aluminium silicate free from gritty particles, but it does not contain dispersing agent


Uses◦ Adsorbent by oral administration◦ Treatment of enteritis, colitis, dysentery and in alkaloidal and

food poisoning◦ Applied externally as a dusting powder and also clarifying agent

during filtration◦ Light kaolin used in pharmaceutical preparation◦ Heavy kaolin used in preparation of kaolin poultice◦ Used as an ingredient of toilet powder and a base of disinfectant

powders◦ Used as filter in paper, rubbe, refractory, ceramics, cement and

fertilizer industries◦ Used in anticaking preparations, cosmetics, insecticides, paints

and as source of alumina


GelatinBiological source- It is a product obtained by partial hydrolysis of collagenous materials. It is derived by boiling animal tissues like skin, tendons, ligaments and bones with water, skimming and straining the resulting liquid, evaporating the solution at low temperature after purification and drying in air.


Chemical Constituents◦ Gelatin chemically protein known as glutin. On hydrolysis it

yields non essential amino acids

Uses◦ Thickener in jams, jellies, salads◦ Manufacturing capsules, suppositories, pastes◦ In cosmetic◦ Dietary supplement◦ Preparation of ice creams ◦ In confectionary, preparation of candies, jellies, meat extracts ◦ Antidote for halogen poisoning◦ Preparation of nutrient media◦ Substitute for blood plasma


pharmaceutical aids from natural sources

Health & Medicine