Drugs astringents

The roots are used as an astringent, resolving anodyne and antidotal. It is also used to heal abscesses, assuage postpartum pain, and remove parasites from the skin. The plant was mentioned by Schimmel in the American Journal of Pharmacy in 1889. Clinical observation and pharmacological investigation of the sedative and hypnotic effects of the Chinese drug rhizome and root of Patrinia scabiosaefolia are discussed by Luo (43). 

The drug consists of the small, red tuberculate follicles enclosing black, round glossy seeds, which are aromatic, pungent, with a somewhat acrid aftertaste. It is a carminative and a stimulant, it promotes sweating, is an emmenagogue, astringent, and an... 

Mechanism of Action An antacid that reduces gastric acid by binding with phosphate in the intestine, and then is excreted as aluminum carbonate in feces. Aluminum carbonate may increase the absorption of calcium due to decreased serum phosphate levels. The drug also has astringent and adsorbent properties. Therapeutic Effect Neutralizes or increases gastric pH reduces phosphates in urine, preventing formation of phosphate urinary stones reduces serum phosphate levels decreases fluidity of stools. 

The merits of these substitutes in some cases speak for themselves and a few are actually dangerous. It was not difficult to find satisfactory astringents, diuretics, local anodynes, emetics, and laxatives in the Southern woodlands, but their indigenous plants failed to produce adequate and effective narcotics, analgetics [sic], and antimalarials. Indeed, despite this concentrated effort, no new valuable indigenous drug was discovered by the Confederate physicians. 70... 

As a rule, the status of the product is determined by the claims made for it and its intended purpose. The use of aluminum chloride, a Category I OTC antiper-spirant, as an astringent probably does not confer drug status on the product. It was already noted that certain OTC Category I skin protectants, such as petrolatum,... 

Essential Oils Generally, essential oils exert astringent and bacteriostatic effects. Three drugs are mentioned here ... 

L., the common garden rhubarb. Rhubarb, like Ginseng and Ephedra, is one of the oldest and most widely used Chinese drugs. Chemically it contains a most complex mixture of anthracene glycosides, the most important of which are the dimeric Sennosides. Tannins are also found which can counteract the laxative effect and at low doses (0.05-0.5 g) it is their astringent effect that predominates. Higher doses of 1-2 g have a mild laxative effect. Extracts are also used in the treatment of mouth ulcers. 

Zinc (200 to 220 mg p.o. t.i.d.) is used in zinc-deficiency states and as an adjunct in ulcers, acne, ear granulomata, rheumatoid arthritis, hypogeusia, anosmia, vitamin A therapy, and acrodermatitis enteropathica. In addition, zinc has antiinfective properties and hence is used twice a day as an ophthalmic solution (1 to 2 drops). Zinc sulfate ophthalmic solution exhibits astringent and weak antiseptic activity, which may result from precipitation of protein by the zinc ion and by clearing mucus from the outer surface of the eye. This drug has no decongestant action and produces mild vasodilation. 

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