Pharmacognosy - 5.7 Antitussives
Anti-tussive Drugs
By Mr. Bhosale, SKCP, Kasbe Digraj
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Antitussive drugs are those that suppress or relieve coughing by acting on the cough center in the brain or by soothing the irritated mucous membranes of the respiratory tract.
Classification of Anti-tussives:
These drugs inhibit the cough reflex by acting on the central nervous system.
Example: alkaloids obtained from opium (e.g., Codeine, Noscapine).
These drugs are viscous substances that coat and soothe the irritated mucous membranes of the throat and pharynx.
Example: Liquorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra), Honey, Syrups.
These drugs increase the secretion and fluidity of mucus in the respiratory tract, facilitating its expulsion by coughing.
Examples: Ipecac (Cephaelis ipecacuanha), Vasaca (Adhatoda vasica), Guaifenesin.
These drugs break down the disulfide bonds in the mucus, making it less viscous and easier to expel.
Example: bromhexine (a synthetic derivative of vasicine, an alkaloid found in vasaka), Acetylcysteine.
Examples of Anti-tussive Crude Drugs
Vasaka
Synonyms
Malabar Nut, Adhatoda, Vasaka, Adusa, Arusa (too bitter taste)
Regional Names
Hindi & Marathi: Adulsa (अडूसा) & Adulsa (अडुळसा) Respectively
Biological Source
Derived from the leaves of Adhatoda vasica (अडहटोदा वासिका) / Justicia adhatoda (जस्टिसिया अडहटोदा). Native to India and Sri Lanka.
Family
Acanthaceae (अकँथेसी)
Major Chemical Constituents
Alkaloids: Vasicine (वासिसिन) - Primary active compound with bronchodilatory and respiratory stimulant properties.
Vasicinone (वासिसिनोन) - Important compound with bronchodilatory effects.
Minor Chemical Constituents
Deoxyvasicine (डिऑक्सिवासिसिन) – Present in smaller quantities.
Vasicinol (वासिसिनॉल) - Another minor compound found in Adulsa.
Uses
- Respiratory Health: Used in cough syrups as an expectorant.
- Bronchodilator: Helps in treating asthma and bronchitis by widening air passages.
- Antimicrobial: Exhibits antiseptic and antibacterial properties.
- Anti-inflammatory: Used for treating tuberculosis and respiratory infections.
- Traditional Medicine: Utilized in Ayurveda for treating colds, coughs, and other lung-related ailments.
Tolu Balsam
Synonyms
Balsam of Tolu, Balsamum Tolutanum, Opobalsam, Resin Tolu
Regional Names
Hindi: Tolu Balsam (टोलू बल्सम)
Marathi: Tolu Raal (टोलू राळ)
Biological Source
Derived from the resin obtained from incisions in Myroxylon balsamum (माग्रॉक्सिलॉन बल्समम). Not native to India. It originates from South America, specifically Colombia, Peru, and Venezuela.
Family
Fabaceae (फॅबेसी) or (Leguminosae (लेग्युमिनोसी) older name)
Major Chemical Constituents
Tolu Balsam is primarily composed of Resin esters (like benzyl benzoate, benzyl cinnamate, toluresinotannol cinnamate) and Free acids (like cinnamic acid, benzoic acid), along with some volatile oil.
Minor Chemical Constituents
Benzyl Salicylate (बेंझिल सॅलिसायलेट) - Contributes to fragrance and has mild UV-absorbing properties.
Benzyl Vanillin (बेंझिल वॅनिलिन) - Provides a sweet vanilla-like aroma.
Uses
- Pharmaceutical Uses: mild expectorant in cough syrups. Used topically for skin rashes and wound healing. Antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties.
- Perfumery and Cosmetic Uses: fixative in perfumes, aromatherapy products.
- Traditional Applications: bronchitis, asthma, and colds. Relief from dry, cracked skin.