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Pharmacognosy - 5.1 Laxatives

Laxatives: Classification and Examples

Laxatives

By Mr. Bhosale, SKCP, Kasbe Digraj

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Click on Quiz on the right → enter your Details → select D. Pharmacy → choose Pharmacognosy → then select 5.1 Laxatives.

Introduction

There is a wide availability of pharmacologic agents for maintaining bowel regularity.

Laxatives are generally classified by their mode of action.

Classification of Laxatives

In general, laxatives can be classified into four main categories:

  1. Bulk laxatives
  2. Stimulant laxatives
  3. Osmotic laxatives
  4. Stool softeners

1. Bulk laxatives

  • Bulk laxatives, also known as bulk-forming laxatives or fiber supplements, work by absorbing water in the intestines to create larger, softer, and easier-to-pass stools.
  • They are generally considered the safest type of laxative and are often the first choice for treating occasional or chronic constipation.
    • Examples:Ispaghula

2. Stimulant laxatives

  • Stimulant laxatives
  • A stimulant laxative is a type of medication that triggers the muscles in the colon to contract, which helps move stool along and promotes a bowel movement.
  • Examples: Senna, Aloe, Castor oil

3. Osmotic laxatives

  • Osmotic laxatives are a type of laxative that work by increasing the amount of water in the gut, which softens the stool and makes it easier to pass.
  • Examples: Magnesium Hydroxide (Milk of Magnesia), Lactulose.

4. Stool softeners

  • Stool softeners, also known as emollient laxatives, work by increasing the amount of water the stool absorbs in the gut, making the stool softer and easier to pass.
    • Examples: Mineral oil

Examples of Laxative Crude Drugs

ALOE

Synonyms

Aloe Vera, Barbados Aloe, Cape Aloe, Aloe Gel, Gheekvar, Ghritkumari, Korafad.

Biological Source

Aloe is the dried juice collected by incision, from the various species of Aloe vera, such as Aloe perryi, Aloe vera, Aloe barbadensis.

Family

belonging to family: Liliaceae.

Chemical Constituents

  • Major Chemical Constituents:
    • Aloin: This is a major anthraquinone glycoside present in aloe.
    • Barbaloin: This is another major anthraquinone glycoside.
    • Aloe-emodin: This is a hydroxyanthraquinone derivative, found in aloe.
  • Minor Chemical Constituents:
    • Various other anthraquinones and their glycosides, such as emodin, chrysophanic acid, and ethereal oil.
    • Polysaccharides, notably acemannan.
    • Vitamins, enzymes, minerals, sugars, lignin, saponins, salicylic acids, and amino acids.

Uses

  • Aloe gel is used in a variety of dermatological preparations for its skin-soothing and hydrating properties.
  • The anthraquinones in aloe, notably aloin and barbaloin, have laxative effects and are used in certain over-the-counter constipation drugs.
  • Aloe vera has been used in dental products for its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, which can help in treating periodontal disease.

CASTOR OIL

Synonyms:

Castor Oil, Palma Christi Oil, Arandi ka tel, Erandela tel

Biological Source

Castor oil is the fixed oil obtained by cold expression from the seeds of Ricinus communis.

Family

Euphorbiaceae

Chemical Constituents

  • Major Chemical Constituents:
    • Ricinoleic Acid: This is a monounsaturated fatty acid that makes up about 90% of the oil. It\\\'s responsible for most of the oil\\\'s biological activity.
  • Minor Chemical Constituents:
    • Other fatty acids present in smaller amounts include oleic acid, linoleic acid, stearic acid, and palmitic acid.
    • The oil also contains minor constituents like sterols, tocopherols, and trace minerals.

Uses

  • Castor oil is traditionally used as a laxative for temporary relief of constipation. it\\\'s used in certain over-the-counter constipation drugs.
  • In pharmaceuticals, castor oil is used in the formulation of capsules and tablets due to its excellent properties.
  • It\\\'s used in ointments and creams for its skin-soothing properties.
  • Castor oil has been used as an excipient in drug delivery systems due to its ability to enhance absorption.

Ispaghula

Synonyms

Ispaghula, Psyllium, Psyllium Husk, Spogel, Isabgol (Hindi, Marathi)

Biological Source

Ispaghula consists of dried seeds of Plantago ovata.

Family

belonging to family: Plantaginaceae.

Chemical Constituents

  • Major Chemical Constituents:
    • Mucilage: This is a type of soluble fiber that makes up about 25-30% of the seed by weight. It\\\'s responsible for most of the seed\\\'s biological activity.

Uses

  • In pharmaceuticals, ispaghula is used in the production of bulk-forming laxatives due to its high mucilage content.
  • It\\\'s also used in certain over-the-counter products for its cholesterol-lowering effects.
  • Ispaghula has been used in weight management due to its ability to promote a feeling of fullness.

Senna

Synonyms

Senna, Alexandrian Senna, Tinnevelly Senna, Indian Senna, Sonamukhi (Hindi, Marathi)

Biological Source

Senna is derived from the dried leaflets or pods of Cassia angustifolia, commonly known as Indian Senna.

Other varieties: Cassia acutifolia (Alexandrian Senna)

Family

Leguminosae (Fabaceae)

Chemical Constituents

  • Major Chemical Constituents:
    • Sennosides: Anthraquinone glycosides Sennoside A, B, C and D. Responsible for the laxative effect of senna.
  • Minor Chemical Constituents:
    • Also contains rhein, kaempferol, aloe emodin, isorhamnetin. Free chrysophanol, emodin and their glycosides and free aloe-emodin, rhein, their monoanthrones, dianthrones and their glycosides.

Uses

  • In pharmaceuticals, senna is used in the production of over-the-counter laxatives due to its sennosides content.
  • Exhibit gripping/cramping effect.
  • As a stimulant cathartic.
  • It\\\'s also used in certain herbal teas for laxative purposes.
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