Vitamins: Pharmacognosy MANIK

Vitamins: Pharmacognosy
Prepared By- Shadid Uz Zaman At Tadir; B.Pharm.; M.Pharm.; DU Page 1
Arrangement: Md. Imran Nur Manik; B.Pharm. M.Pharm.; RU
Definition:
Vitamins are organic chemical compounds/substances which can not be synthesized (in
sufficient quantities) in the body but are essential for normal metabolic functions/reactions.
Vitamins do not furnish energy and they aren’t used as building units for cellular structures.
Lack of specific vitamins leads to distinctive deficiency state such as Beri Beri, Rickets, Scurvy
etc.
Nomenclature:
The term “Vitamin” comes from a combination word “Vitamine” which was made up by Polish
scientist Casimir Funk from “Vital amines”. It was first introduced in 1911 (or 1912) when an
amine which could (was thought to) cure (& prevent) Beri Beri was derived/isolated from Rice
bran.
General uses:
Vitamins are used as-
1. Food supplement
2. Drugs
1) Food supplement:
Vitamins are used as food supplement to prevent development of deficiency states. This can
be grouped into four general categories.
1. In case of inadequate food intake which is encountered among alcoholics, aged people
and the impoverished.
2. In case of increasing metabolic/food requirement which is associated with pregnancy,
lactation, major surgery etc.
3. If a person takes adequate food but fails to absorb enough amount of it that creates
problems such as GI (Gastro-intestinal) disorders, GI/surgical resection, obstructive
jaundice, cystic fibrosis etc. In that case it is required to take vitamin as food supplement.
4. Iatrogenic situation such as prolonged use of broad-spectrum antibiotics, isoniazid, total
parental nutrition, or even oral contraceptives sometimes require supplemental food
intake.
2) As drugs:
Vitamins are used drugs in case of
1. To treat vitamin deficiency condition or to prevent imminent development of a disease.
2. In case of inherent vitamin deficiency disorder or import metabolic disorder.
Md.
Imran
Nur
Manik

Classification:
It is convenient for a number of purposes to classify the vitamins as
1. Fat soluble and
2. Water soluble.
1) Fat soluble vitamins:
The vitamins which are soluble in fat solvents (dietary and body fat) but relatively insoluble
in water, their absorption from the intestinal tract is associated with that of lipids and are stored
in the body in same fashion as fat are known as fat soluble vitamins.
Fat soluble vitamins are vitamin
a. A,
b. D,
c. E &
d. K.
It can be noted that fat soluble vitamins might be toxic in large doses and are stored in the body
for a long period. Their deficiency state may be caused by conditions that impair fat absorption.
Vitamin A:
It is a fat soluble vitamin synthesized from β-carotene and is essential for normal functioning
of the body.
“Vitamin A” term is applied to all derivatives of β-ionone, other than the carotenoids that
possess the biologic activity of all-trans Retinol. Acetate and palmitate esters of synthetically
prepared all-trans retinol are the major commercial forms of vitamin A.
Retinol
Retinal
Retinoic acid
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β-carotene
β-carotene:
β-carotene and related carotenoids are provitamin A substances. β-carotene is found
abundantly in carrots. It is found only in plants. It is the source of Retinol, Retinal and Retinoic
acid. We take β-carotene containing food to obtain vitamin A.
β-carotene and other related carotenoids (provitamin A) are cleaved by β-carotene oxygenase to
yield retinal most of which forms into retinol.
Cleaved by β-carotene dioxygenase
β-carotene Retinol
NADH
Esterified
Retinol palmitate/retinol acetate Retinal
Palmitic acid/Acetic acid
Uses of vitamin A:
1. Vitamin A is involved in vision, growth and tissue differentiation.
2. Retinal helps the activation of visual pigment Rhodopsin.
3. Deficiency of vitamin A decline/decreases the plasma level of macroglobulin which
inhibits of collagenase and other proteinases in the cornea and prevent the development
of corneal lesion.
4. Vitamin A is used primarily for prophylactic/preventive purposes when normal diet is
inadequate.
5. Tretinoin or all-trans retinoic acid is used topically to treat Acne vulgaris.
6. Iso-tretinoin or 13-cis retinoic acid is used in acne and keratinized disorders of skin.
7. β-carotene is used to reduce certain photo sensitivity in individuals with Erythropoietic
protoporphyria.
8. Increased β-carotene intake reduces the risk of lung cancer in smokers.
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Doses:
 For infants-USRDA 1500 units
 For children less than 4 years-USRDA 2500 units
 For adults and children over 4 years-USRDA 5000 units.
 For pregnant and lactating women-USRDA 8000 units
1 unit is equal to 0.3μg of Retinol.
Deficiency syndromes:
1. Nyctalopia (Night blindness)
2. Xerophthalmia
3. Hyperkeratosis of the skin
4. Growth retardation
& 5. Decreased resistance to infection
Sources of vitamin A:
Common dietary sources of vitamin A are animal organs (heart, liver, and kidney), eggs,
dairy products and fish. It is also found in carrots and green leafy vegetables.
Vitamin D:
Vitamin D is a term that is used for several related steroids and their metabolites that are
essential for the absorption and utilization of calcium.
It is called the sunshine vitamin as Ergosterol and Cholesterol which are the provitamin D
forms vitamin D2 and D3 accordingly in the presence of Ultraviolet ray.
or
Cyclopentanoperhydrophenanthrene
Ergosterol (plant steroid) Ergocalciferol (vitamin D2)
UV light
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Cholesterol Cholecalciferol
(zoologic species, (vitamin D3)
Stored in tissue,
Liver, skin etc)
UV light
Vitamin D is a steroid hormone that functions to regulate specific gene expression. Biologically
active form of hormone is 1, 25 dihydroxy cholecalciferol (vitamin D3)
1, 25 cholecalciferol (Calcitriol)
Sources:
The body’s requirements for vitamin D are normally satisfied by dietary sources and by the
activating action of sunlight (UV component) on the skin. Butter, cream, milk and liver are
good natural sources of vitamin D.
Uses:
1. Calcitriol (active form of vitamin D) functions with Calcitonin and parathyroid hormone
to regulate calcium and phosphate level in the body.
2. Deficiency of vitamin D causes Rickets (improper mineralization of bones in child) and
Osteomalacia (demineralization of bones in adults).
3. Vitamin D is also used to treat familial hypophosphatemia and hypoparathyroidism.
4. Calcitriol has specific utility in patients with kidney failure.
Cod liver oil:
Sources:
Cod liver oil is collected from the fresh liver of the Cod (Gadus morrhua of Gadidae/Gadus
family). It is the partially destearinated fixed oil obtained from the above mentioned.
Codfish inhibit the northern Atlantic Ocean from where it is commercially collected. Cod liver
oil is a by-product of the fishing industry.
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Preparation
Fish collection Liver separation Gallbladders separation Liver chopping
HomogenizedCentrifuged (at 7000 rate/min at 77ο
C)Decant
Chilling below -5ο
C Stearin separation Drying of oil with vaccum dryer
StandardizationMarketing
1. Collection:
In late winter and spring the cod fishes are caught. The fishes are brought to the fish houses
within the few hours after catching.
2. Preparation:
a) The livers are removed with care and the gallbladders are completely separated.
b) The livers are steamed in closed containers in a carbon dioxide atmosphere to prevent
oxidation.
c) The oil move to the top of the container where it is collected. (The air above the oil is
replaced by CO2 to prevent oxidation.)
d) The oil is strained, filled into tin lined containers and chilled to a temperature below
-5ο
C.
e) The precipitated stearin is separated from the lighter vitamin containing oil by
decantation and filtration.
3. Refining: Five major steps involves refining.
They are-
(a) Removal of impurities
(b) Drying
(c) Winterization
(d) Deodorization
(e) Standardization of vitamin content.
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Description & constituents of the oil:
The oil is a thin, oily liquid that has a distinctive, slightly fishy but not rancid odor and a fishy
taste.
Medicinal grade cod liver oil contains in each gram
(i)Vitamin A (no less than/greater than 255μg/850 units)
(ii)Vitamin D (no less than/greater than 2.125μg/85 units)
The oil also contains glyceryl esters of unsaturated (85%) and saturated (15%) fatty acids, (bile
salts and alkaloids).
Shark liver oil:
Shark liver oil may be obtained from sharks that are caught for food purposes and are living in
cold deep oceans. Shark liver oil (SLO) is obtained from several species of sharks including deep
sea shark (Centrophorus squamosus), the dogfish shark (Squalus acanthias) and the basking shark
(Cetorhinus maximus).
The liver oil from sharks has been used by fishermen for centuries as a folk remedy for general
health. It is purportedly useful for healing wounds, sores, Irritations of the respiratory tract and
the alimentary canal and for lymph node swelling. It is one of the active ingredients in
hemorrhoid creams. This oil is sold in the U.S. as a dietary supplement and doesn’t require
FDA (Food and Drug Administration) approval prior to sale.
Constituents:
1. Alkylglycerols/Alkoxyglycerols (AKG) which support immune functions and normal
cell growth. These are naturally found in mother’s milk and in bone marrow.
2. Squalene which is an antioxidant is bactericidal and has long been used to keep human
skin soft, pliable and healthy.
Its chemical structure causes it to react with water, combining with hydrogen and releasing
oxygen. The human body only produces only very small amounts of Squalene.
3. Omega 3 fatty acids which are well known to support balanced cholesterol levels.
4. Triglycerides (IAG) which are a natural source of energy in our bodies.
5. Vitamin A
6. Vitamin D
7. Vitamin E
8. Squalamine which is a recently discovered compound in shark liver oil that helps normal
blood vessel growth.
Shark liver oil also contains Pristane, Glycerol ethers and fatty alcohols, essential fatty acids,
Copper (Cu), Zinc (Zn) and Iron (Fe) in trace amounts.
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Uses:
1. Supports the immune system and the body’s response to allergies due to the presence of
alkyl glycerol.
2. Supports joint mobility.
3. Helps to maintain healthy skin/improves skin.
4. Have powerful antioxidant properties.
5. Supports wound healing and minimized scarring.
6. Supports respiratory health.
7. Supports a healthy digestive system.
8. Supports healthy energy levels and helps reduce fatigue.
9. Supports the immune defenses for winter ills and chills.
SLO has been used to help treat cancer, skin conditions and respiratory aliments as well as to
reduce recurrent aphthous stomatitis and prevent radiation sickness. Animal data suggests that
SLO may improve fertility.
Ilisha fish oil:
Ilish is an oily fish rich in essential fatty acids (Omega 3 fatty acids). Recent experiments have
shown its beneficial effects in decreasing cholesterol level in rats and insulin level.
Vitamin E:
Vitamin E is an term that refers to Alpha tocopherol (α-tocopherol), tocopherol, tocopheryl
(acetate, succinate) and other various formns of α-tocopherol. It is a fat soluble vitamin and an
antioxidant.
It reduces the energy of the free radical, stops the free radical from forming in the first place and
interrupts an oxidizing chain reaction to minimize the damage of free radicals.
What does it do? /Usefulness:
1. Protects cell membranes and other fat soluble parts of the body (I.DI. cholesterol) from
oxidation. Thereby it may reduce the risk of heart disease and may also discourage
development of some types of cancer.
2. Promotes normal growth and development.
3. Promotes normal red blood cell formation.
4. Acts as anti-blood clotting agent (in the vessel).
5. Play some role in the body’s ability to process glucose.
6. Also been known to aid the process of wound healing.
Sources: Wheat germ oil, vegetable oils, nuts and seeds, whole grains, egg yolk and leafy green
vegetables.
Who should take supplements?
1. People over the age of 35.
2. Smokers.
3. People who abuse alcohol.
4. Anyone with inadequate calorie or nutritional dietary intake or increased nutritional
requirements.
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Manik

α-tocopherol
Vitamin K:
Vitamin k is a term that refers to 2-methyl-1,4-napthoquinone and derivatives of this compound
that exhibit an antihemorrhagic activity . the K vitamins exist naturally as K1 (phylloquinone) in
green vegetables and K2 (menaquinone) produced by intestinal bacteria and K3 is synthetic
menadione. When administrated, vitamin K3 IS alkylated to one of the vitamin K2 forms of
menaquinone.
Sources:
Vitamin K is widely distributed in dietary products and many fruits and vegetables being
especially good dietary sources. The intestinal microflora also provides a significant amount
of this vitamin.
Usefulness:
The major function of the K vitamins is in the maintenance of normal levels of the blood
clotting proteins, factors II, VII,IX X and protein C and protein S which are synthesized in
the liver as inactive precursor proteins.
Deficiency state:
The most common symptom of vitamin K deficiency is Hemorrhage.
Vitamin K1/Phylloquinone/Phytonadione
Vitamin K3/Menadione
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Vitamin B:
Vitamin B1/Thiamin/vitamin F:
Sources:
Whole grains, legumes, nuts, meats (pork, fish etc.), liver and enriched bread or cereals are good
dietary sources of vitamin B1.
Usefulness: Vitamin B1 is important in
1. Producing energy from carbohydrates.
2. Proper nerve function.
3. Stabilizing the appetite.
4. Promoting growth and good muscle tone.
5. ATP production.
B1 deficiency syndromes:
1. Loss of appetite.
2. Weakness and feeling tired.
3. Insomnia.
4. Loss of weight.
5. Depression.
6. Heart and gastrointestinal problems.
Thiamin/Vitamin B1
Vitamin B2/Riboflavin:
Sources: Yeast is the richest natural source of vitamin B2. Dairy products, eggs, meats, legumes
etc contain riboflavin in large amount. It is also found in green leafy vegetables, fruits, and
enriched grains in small amount.
Properties:
It is a yellow, heat-stable substance and it is slightly soluble in water. It is sensitive to light
and in presence of light riboflavin will change into lumichrome or lumiflavin. Therefore milk
should be purchased in opaque containers.
Usefulness: Vitamin B2 is in
1. Energy production.
2. Carbohydrate, fat and protein metabolism.
3. Formation of antibodies and red blood cells.
4. Cell respiration.
5. Maintenance of good vision, skin, nails and hair.
6. Alleviating eye fatigue.
Md.
Imran
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Manik

B2 deficiency symptoms:
1. Itching and burning eyes.
2. Cracks and sores in mouth and lips.
3. Bloodshot eyes.
4. Dermatitis.
5. Oily skin.
6. Digestive disturbances.
Who’s at risk?
1. People with cataracts.
2. People with sickle cell anemia.
3. Alcoholics.
Riboflavin/Vitamin B2
Vitamin B3/Niacin
Sources:
Lean meats, fish and dairy products are good dietary sources of niacin.
Properties:
Two types of vitamin B3
(1) Niacinamide (Nicotinamide)
-Does not regulate cholesterol
(2) Niacin (nicotinic acid)
-Highly toxic in large doses.
-Inosital llexanraemate is a
supplement that gives the cholesterol regulatiom without high toxicity.
B3 deficiency symptoms:
1. Pellegra which is a disease caused by B3 deficiency but rare in western societies.
2. Gastrointestinal disturbances, loss of appetite.
3. Headache, insomnia, mental depression.
4. Fatigue, aches and pains.
5. Nervousness, irritability.
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Toxicity:
1. In doses only 50-100 mg nicotinic acid can cause dilation of blood vessels and potentially
painful tingling (niacin flush), diarrhea, nausea, vomiting and long term liver damage.
2. Nicotinamide is almost always safe to take although a few cases of liver damage have
been reported in doses of over 1000 mg/day.
Usefulness: Vitamin B6 is important in
2. Maintenance of skin and tongue.
3. Improves circulation.
4. Maintenance of nervous system.
5. Health of the digestive track.
Nicotinic acid Nicotinamide
Vitamin B6/Pyridoxine
Sources:
Meats, bananas, whole grains, nuts and potatoes are good dietary sources of vitamin B6.
Usefulness:
Vitamin B6 is useful in
1. Production of red blood cells.
2. conversion of Tryptophan to niacin (vitamin B3)
3. Immunity.
4. Nervous system functions.
5. Reducing muscle spasms, cramps and numbness.
6. Maintaining proper balance of sodium and phosphorus in the body.
B6 deficiency:
1. Nervousness, insomnia.
2. Loss of muscle control, muscle weakness.
3. Arm and leg cramps.
4. Water retention.
5. Skin lesions.
Toxicity:
1. High doses of B6 may be recommended to treat PMS, carpal tunnel syndrome and sleep
disorders, but continued use of high doses may result in permanent nerve damage.
2. Pregnant women should always consult their doctor before this supplement and all
others.
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Who’s at risk?
1. Alcoholics.
2. Patients with kidney failure.
3. Women using oral contraceptives.
Pyridoxal Pyridoxamine Pyridoxine
Vitamin B12/Cobalamin:
Sources:
Meat, seafood, eggs, dairy products and fermented food such as soy sauce are good dietary
sources of vitamin B12. Liver extract is classic source of this vitamin.
Usefulness:
Vitamin B12 is important in
1. Proper nerve function.
2. Production of red blood cells.
3. Metabolizing fats and proteins.
4. Prevention of anemia.
5. DNA reproduction.
Problems:
1. Vegetarians need to look for fortified sources like soy sauce or fermented foods to acquire
this vitamin because vegetables are poor sources of vitamin B12.
2. Elderly often have trouble absorbing.
B12 deficiency:
1. Anemia
2. Nerve damage
3. Hypersensitive skin
Who’s at risk?
People with
1. pernicious anemia
2. HIV
3. Chronic fatigue syndrome.
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If R=CN it is called Cyanocobalamin
If R=OH it is called Hydroxocobalamin
If R=CH3 (Methyl) it is called Methylcobalamin which is an active form of vitamin B12.
Vitamin C:
Vitamin C or Ascorbic acid (toxic to viruses, bacteria and some malignant tumor cells) is a
naturally occurring vitamin which prevents scurvy and has antioxidant properties. It is a water
soluble vitamin.
Functions:
1. Protects the body from free radicals.
2. Helps form connective tissue that holds body’s bones, muscles and tissues together
(collagen).
3. Aids in the healing of wounds.
4. Aids the body in absorbing Iron from plant sources.
5. Helps to keep gums healthy.
6. Helps the body to fight infections.
7. Aids in the prevention of heart diseases.
8. Helps prevent some forms of cancer.
Toxicity:
Since vitamin C is water soluble, excess amount of it that the body doesn’t need will be
excreted, but larger doses (1000 mg dose) can cause some problems like following
1. Diarrhea
2. Gastrointestinal discomfort
3. Rebound scurvy
Chewable tablets should be avoided as it may cause damage to teeth.
Sources:
Guava, broccoli, cantaloupe, red bell pepper, orange juice, strawberries, tomato juice, raw
tomato, sweet potato, tangerine, spinach, leafy green vegetables, berries, citrus fruits etc.
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Vitamin C deficiency: Deficiency of vitamin C causes
1. Weight loss
2. Fatigue and joint pain
3. Scurvy (bruising easily, bleeding gums and tendency for bone fracture)
4. Reduced resistance to colds and infections
5. Slow healing of wounds and fractured bones.
Ascorbic acid
Structures of few vitamins:
Pantothenic acid/Vitamin B5
Biotin/Vitamin H Folic acid/vitamin B9
Md.
Imran
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Manik

Vitamins: Pharmacognosy MANIK

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