Pharmacognosy - 5.13 Antiseptics and disinfectants
Antiseptics and Disinfectants
By Mr. Bhosale, SKCP, Kasbe Digraj
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Antiseptics and disinfectants are both antimicrobial agents that kill or inhibit the growth of microorganisms. They are used to control infections.
Antiseptics and disinfectants are only applied externally.
Antiseptics are used on living tissues (e.g., skin, mucous membranes, wounds) to prevent or reduce infection.
Disinfectants are used on non-living surfaces (e.g., floors, medical instruments) to kill microbes. Examples include bleach and phenolic compounds.
Examples from Natural Sources
Benzoin
Synonyms
Sumatra benzoin, gum benzoin, loban (लोबान)
Biological Source
It is balsamic resin obtained from Styrax benzoin (स्टाइरैक्स बेंजोइन).
Family
Styracaceae (स्टाइराकेसी)
Major Chemical Constituents
- Primarily consists of benzoic acid and cinnamic acid, as well as their esters.
- Triterpenoid acids: Suma-resinolic acid, Siaresinolic acid.
Minor Chemical Constituents
Styrol, Vanillin, Phenyl propyl cinnamate.
Uses
- Irritating expectorant - Helps clear mucus from the respiratory tract.
- Carminative - Aids digestion and relieves flatulence.
- Diuretic - Promotes urine formation and helps detoxify the body.
- Antiseptic - Prevents infections and promotes wound healing.
- Protective - Forms a protective layer over affected tissues.
- Treatment of URT infection (as inhalation) - Used in respiratory conditions like cough and bronchitis.
Myrrh
Synonyms
Myrrha, Bol, Gum Myrrh
Biological Source
Oleo-gum-resin obtained from Commiphora molmol (कोम्मिफोरा मोलमोल).
Family
Burseraceae (बर्सेरेसी)
Major Chemical Constituents
- Volatile Oil (10%): Contains Terpenes, Cuminic aldehyde, Eugenol.
- Resins (25-40%): – Includes α, β, and y-Commiphoric acid.
- Bitter Principles (3-4%): Contributes to its medicinal properties.
Minor Chemical Constituents
Include phenolic acids, flavonoids, tannins, glycosides, alkaloids, steroids, lignans, and quinines,
Uses
- Stimulant - Enhances bodily functions and circulation.
- Antiseptic - Used to prevent infections.
- Protective - Helps in wound healing.
- Used in mouthwashes - Provides oral hygiene benefits.
- Astringent
- Carminative
Neem
Synonyms
Limb (लिंब)
Biological Source
Leaves and other aerial parts obtained from Azadirachta indica (अज़ादिराक्टा इंडिका)
Family
Meliaceae (मेलिएसी)
Major Chemical Constituents
- Azadirachtin (अज़ादिरैक्टिन) - Acts as an insect repellent and growth regulator.
- Salanin (सलानिन) – Exhibits insecticidal and antifungal properties.
- Melian-triol (मेलियन्ट्रियोल) - Contributes to anti-feeding effects in pests.
- Nimbidin, Nimbin, Nimbosterol (Other important terpenoids)
Minor Chemical Constituents
(Many other terpenoids, flavonoids, tannins)
Uses
- Antiseptic - Used for wound healing and infections.
- Insecticide - Effective against pests and insects.
- Antiviral - Helps combat viral infections.
- Antifungal
- Antimalarial
- Traditional use in skin conditions, dental hygiene
Curcuma (Turmeric)
Synonyms
Turmeric, Indian Saffron
Regional Names
Hindi: Haldi (हल्दी)
Marathi: Halad (हळद)
Biological Source
Dried or fresh rhizomes from Curcuma longa (कुर्कुमा लोंगा)
Native Region
Native to Southeast Asia, widely cultivated in India, China, and Indonesia
Family
Zingiberaceae (जिन्जिबरेसी)
Major Chemical Constituents
Curcuminoids: Curcumin I, II, III
Other: Turmerone, Zingiberene, Borneol, Caprylic Acid
Minor Chemical Constituents
Resins, Essential oils (a- and ß-turmerone, ar-turmerone), Flavonoids, Carbohydrates, Tannins
Uses
- Primary Use: Antiseptic & Anti-inflammatory
- Additional Uses: Antimicrobial, Expectorant, Digestive Support, Skin Care, Condiment & Coloring Agent
- Antioxidant