Astringents, Classification of Astringents, General uses of astringents, Zinc sulfate, Medicinal uses of Zinc Sulfate, Potash Alum, Medicinal uses of Potash Alum

1. ASTRINGENTS
Authored By:
Dr. Alex Martin
Ph.D., M.Pharm, FAGE

2. ASTRINGENT
An astringent is a substance that causes contraction of body tissues and
for this reason are used to reduce the discharge of blood and mucous
secretions from wounds, cuts and abrasions.
CLASSIFICATION
2.
Astringents
that extract
water from
surrounding
tissues. Eg:
Isopropyl
alcohol,
ethanol and
Gycerol.
3. Astringents that cause coagulation of
proteins from adjacent tissues resulting in
the formation of a crust. Eg: Zinc Chloride,
Alum.
1. Astringents
causing
narrowing of
blood vessels
and thereby
decreasing
blood supply
to wounds. Eg:
Epinephrine
and Cocaine
Depending
upon
Mechanism of
Action

3. 1. Due to tissue
constrictive properties it
finds use in Diarrhea,
Peptic ulcer and sore
throat.
2. Astingents
that act by
narrowing
blood vessels
can be used in
reducing blood
loss and mucus
secretions in
haemorrhage.
Topical: It can be used
topically for cuts,
wounds and abrasions.
GENERAL USES OF ASTRINGENTS
GENERAL
USES OF
ASTRINGENTS
ZINC SULPHATE
3. Colour: White
Crystals
5. M.P. = 680°C. At this
temperature it decomposes
and produces toxic fumes
of ZnO and SO3.
1. Mol. Formula:
ZnSO4
2. Synonym: White
Vitriol
4. Solubility: Moderately
soluble in water and acids
4. Odourless

4. MEDICINAL USES OF ZINC SULPHATE
1. As an Astringent
Zinc Sulphate causes couglation of proteins from the tissues surrounding
the wound, resulting in the formation of crust. Thus it aids in faster wound
healing and also minimizes microbial infection.
5. In treatment of
Hypochlorhydria/Achlo
rhydria
Zinc is essential in the
formation of stomach
HCl. Thus, ZnSO4 is
administered in
conditions of
Hypochlorhydria and
achlorhydria (Low HCl
level in stomach)
4. For Common Cold
Zinc + Vitamin C is
given to lessen the
severity of symptoms
associated with
common cold. The
combination is also
proven to enhance
immunity which aids
in faster recovery
from cold infections.
2. In Zinc
Deficiency
Zinc
Sulphate
tablets are
administered
, in case of
Zinc
deficiency.
3. In Oral
Rehydration Therapy
Zinc Sulphate is given
as a Component in
ORT, in patients
dehdrated due to
diarrhoea. ZnSO4 is
shown to decrease
the severity and
episodes of diaarhea.

5. 6. As Nutritional supplement
Zinc has been identified as cofactor of over 70 different enzymes . Thus, it
is serves as a nutritional supplement meant for general well being.
POTASH ALUM
2. Synonym:
Pottasium
Aluminium Sulfate
1. Mol. Formula:
KAl(SO4)2
5. M.P. = 95°C
3. Colour: White
Octahedral Crystals
4. Solubility:
Soluble in water
MEDICINAL USES OF POTASH ALUM
1. As an Astringent
Potash Alum is
popularly used as an
astringent. It acts as an
Astringent via two
mechanisms:
A) It induces the couglation of
proteins from superficial tissue
layers around the wound untill
the formation of crust.
B) Styptic action: It causes
contraction of superficial blood
vessels, thus reducing the
discharge of blood.

6. 2. Acne and
Pimples
Owing to its
antiseptic
properties, it is
used topically to
eliminate acne
and pimple.
5. As Water Purifier
It is also put in water tanks and wells.
Potash alum in this case, significantly
brings down the bacterial and fungal
count.
6. In dentistry
Owing to its astringent and hemostatic
properties, potash alum is used in gum
bleeding occurrences when moving and
retracting gums to provide for a clearer
working area around teeth.
3. In Topical use Aftershave
It is applied on the shaved area after shave
owing to its astringent and antiseptic
properties.
4. In Deodorants
Owing to its
bactericidal and
antiperspirant
properties, it is
used effectively to
combat
perspiration,
bacterial colony
formation and
associated odour in
underarms.
USES OF
POTASH
ALUM

7. 8. In depilatroy cream and waxes
The abrasive nature of Potash Alum makes it
a suitable agent to remove body hari
permanently. Thus, it is included as a
component in depilatory creams and waxes.
7. As Vaccine adjuvant
Was used earlier as adjuvant in vaccines. It stabilized
the inactivated bacteria and viruses by adsorbing
these onto their surfaces and preventing their
precipitation and sticking on the walls off the syringe.
Nowadays, Al(OH)3 is used for the same purpose.
USES OF POTASH ALUM

8. THANK YOU.