Archana B Chavhan
M.Pharm (QA)
KYDSCT’s College of Pharmacy,
Sakegaon

Mechanism of coughing
Mucus coat
cilia
Mucus in goblet cell
Basement
membrane
Blood
vessels
epithelium
Mucus
membrane
Triggers of cough
• Histamine release
• Foreign body
Vagus nerve
Efferent nerve fibres
Effector muscles
• Laryngeal muscles
• Bronchial smooth
muscles
Cough
Reflex

• Tussis or coughing is a complex physiological reflex that can be
somewhat simplified by following mechanism
Motor efferent to
larynx and chest

Respiratory
infections
Chronic obstructive
pulmonary disease
Asthma
Lung cancer
Gastro intestinal
reflux
Bronchitis

The drug which are used to suppress cough or enhance removal
of sputum.
Anti Tussives
Vasaka
leaves
Tolu balsam

Synonyms:- Adhatada, adulsa
Biological source:- It consists of dried as well as fresh leaves of
the plant Adhatoda vasica
Family: Acanthaceae
Chemical Constituents:
1. Vasaka leaves contain quinazoline alkaloids such as vasicine,
vasicinone and 6-hydroxy vasicine.
2. It also contain volatile oil, betain and vasakine and Adhatoda
acid.
vasicine.

Therapeutic Uses:
1. The leaves of vasaka are used to treat cough, asthma, fever, tuberculosis, piles,
jaundice, bleeding gum.
2. It is also used as an expectorant.
3. It has ability of bronchodilator.
4. The extract of leaves, bark and flower is used to treat bronchial, asthmatic and
pulmonary affection.
5. It has anthelmintic property.
6. It has property of sedative, antispasmodic, anti- inflammatory, antidiabetic
7. It is used to treat leprosy, blood disorders, heart troubles, thirst, vomiting.
8. Its decoction has ability to treat cold and rheumatism

Synonyms: Tolu Balsam; Thomas balsam; opobalsam; resin
tolu; balsam of tolu
Biological Source: Tolu Balsam is obtained by incision of stem
of Myroxylon balsamum (L.) Harms., belonging to family
Leguminosae.
Morphological characters:
Color: yellowish-brown or brown,
odour :aromatic
Taste: aromatic vanilla like
It is insoluble in water and petroleum ether; soluble in alcohol,
benzene,
Chemical Constituents:
1. Tolu Balsam contains resin (80%)
2. Volatile oil (7.8%) – Benzyl benzoate;
3. Free organic acid – Cinnamic acid and Benzoic acid (8%)
4. It is also contains esters such as, benzyl cinnamate, vanillin,
styrene, eugenol, ferulic acid.

1. To the alcoholic solution of tolu balsam, when a few drops
of ferric chloride are added, green colour appears due to the
presence of acidic group of benzoic acid and Cinnamic acid.
2. Mix 1 gm of balsam adds 5 ml of potassium permagnate and
boil, odour of bitter almond (due to formation of
benzaldehyde) is produced.
Chemical test

1. Balsam of Tolu is used as an expectorant, stimulant, and
antiseptic.
2. It is an ingredient of cough mixtures and compound benzoin
tincture.
3. It is also used as a pleasant flavouring agent in medicinal
syrups, confectionery, chewing gums, and perfumery.