This document discusses two anti-tussive drugs - Vasaka and Tolu Balsam. Vasaka is derived from the leaves of the Adhatoda vasica plant and contains quinazoline alkaloids that act as an expectorant, bronchodilator, oxytocic and abortifacient. Tolu Balsam is obtained from the trunk of Myroxylon balsamum trees, contains cinnamic acid, benzoic acid and volatile oils, and is used as an expectorant, flavoring agent, and antiseptic in cough mixtures.

1. CHAPTER – V ANTI-TUSSIVE
M.NITHYA B.PHARM, LECTURER, ECOP. 1
ANTI-TUSSIVE
Definition:
 Antitussive are medicines that suppress the cough.
 They act centrally on medullary cough center.
Examples:
1. Vasaka
2. Tolu Balsam
Vasaka Tolu Balsam

2. CHAPTER – V ANTI-TUSSIVE
M.NITHYA B.PHARM, LECTURER, ECOP. 2
Drug name Synonyms Biological Source Family Chemical
Constituents
Uses
Vasaka
Quinazoline
alkaloids
Adhatoda
Malabar nut
It consists of dried
as well as fresh
leaves of Adhatoda
vasica
Acanthaceae Vasicine
Vasicinone
Volatile oil
Betain
Vasakin
Adhatodic acid
1. Expectorant
2. Bronchodilator
3. Oxytocic
4. Abortifacient

3. CHAPTER – V ANTI-TUSSIVE
M.NITHYA B.PHARM, LECTURER, ECOP. 3
Drug name Synonyms Biological Source Family Chemical
Constituents
Uses
Tolu Balsam
Resin Balsam of Tolu Balsam of tolu is
solid or semisolid
balsam obtained
from the trunk of
trees Myroxylon
balsamum
Leguminosae Free cinnamic
acid
Free benzoic acid
Ester of
toluresinotannol
Volatile oil
Vanillin
1. Expectorant
2. Flavouring agent
3. Antiseptic
4. Common ingredient of
cough mixtures.