Pharmacognosy - 5.16 Vitamins
Vitamins
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 5.16 Vitamins.
Vitamins are organic compounds that are essential for the normal functioning of the human body. They are required in small amounts and cannot be synthesized by the body, so they must be obtained through diet or supplementation. In the field of pharmacognosy, vitamins are considered as crude drugs due to their therapeutic properties and natural origin.
Vitamins can be classified into two main subclasses:
- Fat-soluble vitamins: vitamin A, vitamin D, vitamin E, and vitamin K.
- Water-soluble vitamins: vitamin C and the B-complex vitamins (B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, B7, B9, B12).
Cod Liver Oil
Synonyms
Fish Liver Oil, Oleum Morrhuae (official Latin name for Cod Liver Oil extracted from Gadus morhua.)
Regional Names
Hindi: Machhli ka Jigar Tel
Marathi: Mase Yakrut Tel
Biological Source
Fresh liver of Gadus morhua (गॅडस मोरुआ)
Family
Gadidae (गॅडिडी)
Major Chemical Constituents
- Omega-3 fatty acids (EPA - Eicosapentaenoic acid, DHA - Docosahexaenoic acid)
- Vitamin A (Retinol)
- Vitamin D (Cholecalciferol)
Minor Chemical Constituents
- Saturated fatty acids (Palmitic acid, Myristic acid)
- Monounsaturated fatty acids (Oleic acid)
- Trace elements (Iodine, Selenium)
Uses
- Dietary supplement in treating and preventing vitamin A and D deficiencies.
- Supports bone health by preventing rickets and osteoporosis.
- Reducing inflammation.
- Cardiovascular health by lowering triglyceride levels.
- Used in skin and hair care products due to its moisturizing properties.
- Employed in the leather industry as a softening agent.
Shark Liver Oil
Synonyms
Squalene Oil, Fish Liver Oil, Deep-Sea Shark Oil
Regional Names
Hindi: Shark Liver Oil
Marathi:Shark Yakrut Tel
Biological Source
Fresh liver of deep-sea sharks, e.g., Hypoprion brevirostris (हायपो-प्रियन ब्रेवि-रोस्ट्रिस)
Family
Carcharhinidae (कार्चा-रहिनिडी) (For H. brevirostris)
Major Chemical Constituents
- Squalene - antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
- Alkylglycerols - Enhancing immune function and promoting blood cell production.
- Essential fatty acids (Omega-3, Omega-6)
Minor Chemical Constituents
- Vitamins A & D
- Tocopherols (Vit. E) - Natural antioxidant, protecting cells from oxidative damage.
Uses
- Dietary supplement
- Immune booster
- Skin disorders, including eczema and psoriasis.
- Cardiovascular and brain health
- Crucial for vision, bone health, and immune system (Primarily due to Vitamins A & D if present in high amounts)
- Utilized in waterproofing and rustproofing materials.
- Cosmetics (Squalene)