These free B.Pharm notes on gastrointestinal and dermatological herbal agents cover chapter 28 of Introduction to Pharmacognosy, a first-semester subject. Read the key points below, then study the complete chapter PDF. You can browse every chapter in the Introduction to Pharmacognosy category.
Table of Contents
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Overview of gastrointestinal and dermatological herbal agents
This chapter covers herbal drugs for gastrointestinal disorders and for skin disorders. It gives the classification of each group with examples, mechanisms and constituents. It then studies Psyllium as a bulk-forming laxative and Aloe as a wound-healing dermatological agent. These notes are useful for quick revision before exams.
Key points on gastrointestinal and dermatological herbal agents
- Natural GI drugs are classified as antiulcer, carminatives, laxatives, bulk-forming laxatives, antidiarrhoeals, and antiemetic and antispasmodic drugs, such as Liquorice, Fennel, Senna and Kurchi.
- Psyllium, or Isapgol, is the dried seeds and seed husk of Plantago ovata, family Plantaginaceae, and India is the largest producer.
- Psyllium mucilage absorbs water and swells in the intestine, forming a soft bulky mass that stimulates peristalsis, so it acts as a bulk-forming laxative.
- Dermatological herbal agents include anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial and antifungal, wound healing, antioxidant and antiageing, and skin lightening and photoprotective drugs.
- Aloes is the dried juice or gel from leaves of Aloe vera, family Asphodelaceae, and acemannan, aloe-emodin and aloin mainly give its wound-healing action.
Relevance to pharmacy practice
Constipation, indigestion, burns and skin problems are common minor ailments handled at the pharmacy counter. A pharmacist should know how Psyllium and Aloe work and which constituents give their effects, to advise patients well.
Every chapter in this subject builds on the one before it, so do not skip topics that look simple. Definitions, classifications and examples are the parts that examiners return to most often, and a clear understanding here will also make later subjects easier to follow in the coming semesters.
Frequently asked questions on gastrointestinal and dermatological herbal agents
Why is Psyllium used as a laxative?
The mucilage of the husk absorbs water and swells in the intestine, forming a soft bulky mass that stimulates peristalsis. This makes Isapgol a bulk-forming laxative used in constipation.
What are the main constituents of Aloe?
The major constituents are aloin, aloe-emodin, emodin, aloesin, acemannan, glucomannan and barbaloin. Acemannan, aloe-emodin and aloin mainly give the dermatological and wound-healing action.
What is the difference between Aloe gel and Aloe latex?
The gel is mucilaginous and is used for healing and hydration of skin. The latex is a stimulant laxative because of aloin and barbaloin.
Quick revision checklist
Use this self-test after reading the chapter on gastrointestinal and dermatological herbal agents. If you can do all of the following without looking at your notes, you are ready for the exam.
- I can explain: the classification of herbal GI drugs
- I can explain: the biological source of Psyllium
- I can explain: why Psyllium acts as a bulk laxative
- I can explain: the classification of dermatological agents
- I can explain: the constituents and uses of Aloe
Study and exam tips
Start by reading the chapter once for the overall idea, then revise gastrointestinal and dermatological herbal agents using headings, definitions, classifications and examples. Short-answer questions in the university exam usually ask for definitions, features, advantages, disadvantages and examples, so write these in your own words and practise drawing the tables and flow charts that the chapter has.
For wider reading, standard textbooks and open resources such as the NCBI Bookshelf help you confirm terms and see more examples. Revise gastrointestinal and dermatological herbal agents again a day later and again a week later, because spaced revision improves long-term memory.
This page is part of the Introduction to Pharmacognosy series for first-semester B.Pharm students on B.Pharm Guru, where every chapter has a short summary and a full PDF. Bookmark this page and share it with classmates who are preparing for the same exam.
Related notes: 30. RESPIRATORY DRUGS, 1. DEFINITION, HISTORY AND SCOPE OF PHARMACOGNOSY.
Next: 29. DRUGS FOR WOMENS HEALTH – CHASTEBERRY AND SHATAVARI. Back to the Introduction to Pharmacognosy category.
