Pharmacognosy - 5.12 Antidysenteric
Anti-dysenteric Drugs
By Mr. Bhosale, SKCP, Kasbe Digraj
How to Access the Quiz for This Chapter
Click on Quiz on the right → enter your Details → select D. Pharmacy → choose Pharmacognosy → then select 5.12 Antidysenteric.
Anti-dysenteric drugs are a category of medications used to treat dysentery, a condition characterized by inflammation of the intestine, often resulting in severe diarrhea with blood or mucus.
Ipecacuanha
Synonyms
Ipecacuanha, Brazilian Ipecac, Johore Ipecac, Hippo, Radix ipecacuanhae.
Regional Names
Hindi: Ipekekuanha (इपेकेकुआन्हा)
Marathi: Ipekekuanha (इपेकेकुआन्हा)
Biological Source
Dried root or rhizome of Cephaelis ipecacuanha (सेफैलिस इपेकेकुआन्हा).
Native Region
Native to South America, especially Brazil and Colombia.
Family
Rubiaceae (रुबिएसी)
Major Chemical Constituents
Alkaloids: Present in 2-3% concentration.
- Emetine (एमेटीन) - Active alkaloid, responsible for amoebicidal properties.
- Cephaeline (सेफाइलिन) - Strong emetic action.
- Psychotrine (साइकोट्रीन) - Mild expectorant effect.
- Psychotrine methyl ether (साइकोट्रीन मिथाइल ईथर) - Additional expectorant properties.
Minor Chemical Constituents
Isoquinoline alkaloids, Tannins, Starch, Calcium oxalate.
Uses
- Emetic - Induces vomiting in cases of poisoning.
- Expectorant - Promotes secretion of sputum in respiratory conditions (in very low doses).
- Diaphoretic - Induces perspiration.
- Irritant Action - Alkaloids have a strong local irritant effect.
- Emetine, a component of ipecac, also has amebicidal components. While ipecac is not effective against amebic dysentery, it may be useful for amebic abscesses and hepatitis.
Important Safety Note: Syrup of Ipecac is **no longer recommended** by major medical organizations (like the American Academy of Pediatrics) for inducing vomiting at home after poisoning due to lack of proven benefit and potential for harm (e.g., aspiration, delaying other treatments). Emetine is cardiotoxic and its use for amoebiasis is limited due to safer alternatives. Ipecacuanha should only be used under strict medical guidance.