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Sources of Homoeopathic drugs

Vegetable Kingdom (Plant Kingdom)
WHOLE PLANT
Without roots Alfalfa, Lobelia inflata, Ocimum sanctum, Ranunculus sceleratus
With roots Aconitum napellus, Aethusa cynapium, Arnica montana, Belladonna, Chamomilla, Chelidonium majus,
Conium, Drosera, Dulcamara, Euphrasia, Hyoscyamus, Hypericum, Ledum palustre, Pulsatilla, Ruta graveolens,
Spigelia, Stramonium
ROOTS

Fresh : Arum triphyllum, Bryonia alba

Dried : Ipecacuanha, Ratanhia
Aerial : Ficus indica
Root & rhizome : Aletris farinose

STEMS

Flowering stem: Cactus grandiflorus

Stem with leaves: Clematis erecta, Sabina
Rhizome: Gelsemium, Helleborus, Podophyllum, Sanguinaria canadensis, Veratrum album, Veratrum viride
Corm: Colchicum autumnale, Crocus sativus
Bulb: Allium cepa, Allium sativum

LEAVES

Dried: Coca, Eucalyptus, Tabacum, Gymnema sylvestre

Fresh: Digitalis purpurea, Rhus tox, Justicia adhatida, Kalmia latifolia, Ficus religiosa
YOUNG SHOOTS

Asparagus officinalis, Pinus sylvestris

FLOWERS

Flower bud: Prunus spinosa

Stigma: Crocus sativus

Flowering heads (with leaves): Calendula, Eupatorium perfoliatum

Flowering heads (without leaves): Cannabis sativa, cina, Melilotus alba, Solidago
SEEDS

Fresh : Avena sativa, Cucurbita pepo, Ignatia, Syzygium jambolanum

Dried: Cocculus indicus, Coffea cruda, Nux moschata, Nux vomica, Sabadilla, Staphysagria, Carduus marianus.
BARK

Fresh outer bark: Abies Canadensis, Salix nigra, Viburunum opulus,

Dried outer bark: Cinchona, Mezereum, Conduranga
Inner bark: Cinnamomum, Fraxinus Americana, Prunus virginiana
Fresh bark of root: Baptisia tinctoria, Berberis vulgaris, Hamamelis
Dried bark of root: Gossypium
Bark of root and stem: Robinia

Bark of trees: Azadhirachta indica, Jonosia asoka, Terminalia arjuna

FRUITS

Fresh fruits (berry) Agnus castus, Crataegus, Sabal serrulata

Fresh leaves and berries Viscum album
Dried fruits (Nuts) Aesculus glabra
Pulp Carica papaya
Juices
: Aloe socotrina (Inspissated juice of leaves), Opium (gummy juice of poppy), Anacardium

occidentale (black oily juice of shell).

Resins: Abies nigra, Guaicum
Gum-resins: Asafoetida

Balsams

: Balsamum peruvianum

Volatile oils: Oleum santali, Oleum gaultheria

Fixed oils

: Oleum crotonis, Oleum ricinis

Alkaloids

: Atropine, Morphine, Nicotinum

Glycosides : Digitalin
CRYPTOGAMIA
Thallophyta :
Algae Fucus vesiculosus
Fungi Agaricus muscarius, Bovista, Secale cor, Ustilago
Lichen Sticta pulmonaria
Bryophyta: Polytrichum juniperinum
Pteriophyta: Lycopodium (Spore), Equisetum hymale
Animal Kingdom
Phylum Porifera
Calcispongiae Badiaga: Fresh water sponge (Skeleton)
Spongia tosta: Common sponge (Skeleton)
Phylum Coelenterata
Scyphozoa Medusa: Jelly-fish (Whole living animal)
Hydrozoa

- Physalia: Portuguese man-of-war (Whole living animal

Anthozoa

- Corallium rubrum: Red coral (Skeleton)

Phylum Annelida
Hirudineae Sanguisuga: Hirudo, the leech (Whole living animal)
Phylum Mollusca
Gastropoda Helix tosta: Toasted snail (Whole living animal)
Murex purpurea: Purple-fish (Juices)
Bivalvia Calcarea calcinata: Calcinated oystershell (Shell)
Pectin: Scallop (Shell)
Cephalopoda Sepia: Cuttle fish (Juice)
Eel serum (Serum)
Phylum Echinodermata
Asteroidea Asterias rubens: Star-fish (Whole living animal)
Phylum Arthropoda
Crustacea

Armadillo officinalis: Sow bug, Sow louse (Whole dried animal)

Astacus fluviatilis : Crawfish or River crab (Whole living animal)

Homarus: Lobster (Digestive fluid)

Limulus cyclops: King crab (Blood)

Scolopendra: Centipede (Whole living animal)

Phylum Arthropoda
Arachnida

Aranea diadema: The Cross spider (Whole living animal)

Latrodectus katipo: Poison spider (Whole living animal)

Latrodectus mactans: Black widow spider (Whole living animal)

Mygale lasiodora: Black Cuban spider (Whole living animal)

Scorpio europus: Scorpion (Whole living animal)

Tarentula cubensis: Cuban spider (Whole living animal)

Tarentula hispanica: Spanish spider (Whole living animal)

Theridion curassavicum: Orange spider (Whole living animal)

Phylum Arthropoda - Insecta

Apis mellifica: Honeybee (Whole living animal)

Blatta orientalis: Indian cockroach (Whole dried animal)

Cantharis: Spanish fly (Whole dried animal)

Cimex acanthia: Bedbug (Whole living animal)

Coccinella: Ladybird beetle (Whole living animal)

Coccus cacti: Cochineal insect (Whole dried animal)

Culex musca: Culex mosquito (Whole living animal)

Formica rufa: The Ant (Whole living animal)

Pisces

Serum anguillar ichthotoxin: Eel serum (serum)

Gadus morrhua: Cod (First cervical vertebra)
Oleum jecoris aselli: Cod-liver oil (Oil)
Pyrarara: River fish (nosode) (Whole living animal)

Amphibia

Bufo rana: Toad (poison)

Lizards

Amphisbaena vermicularis: Snake-like Lizard (Poison)

Heloderma: Gila monster (Poison)

Lacerta agilis: Green Lizard (Whole dried animal)

Ophidia (Snake Poison)

Bothrops lanceolatus: Yellow viper

Cenchris contortrix: Copperhead snake

Crotalus horridus: North American Rattlesnake

Elaps corallinus: Brazilian Coral snake

Lachesis trigonocephalus: Surukuku

Naja tripudians: Indian hooded snake

Toxicophis: Moccasin snake

Vipera: Common Viper

Aves

Calcarea ovi testae: Egg-shell (Shell)

Ovi gallinae pellicula: Fresh membrane of shell of a Hens egg (Shell)

Mammalia

Carbo animalis made from charred ox hide.

Castor equi Rudimentary thumbnail of horse.

Castroreum Tincture of secretion found in preputial sacs of beaver.

Fel tauri Trituration of ox gall.

Ingluvin Gizzard of a fowl.

Mephatis Alcoholic dilution of the liquid contained in the anal gland of Skunk.

Moschus trituration of inspissated secretion contained in preputial follicles of Musk deer.

Pulmo vulpis fresh lung of wolf or fox.

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Lacs (Milk & Milk Products)

Koumyss: Fermentation from asss milk

Lac caninum: Bitchs milk

Lac defloratum: Skimmed cows milk

Lac felinum: Cats milk

Lac vaccini floc: Cream

Lac vaccinum: Cows milk

Lac vaccinum coagulatum: Curds

Mineral Kingdom
Metals
Argentum met; Aurum met; Bismuthum; Cuprum met; Ferrum met; Indium; Iridium; Manganum; Niccolum; Osmium;
Palladium; Platinum; Plumbum met; Rhodium; Stannum met; Tellurium; Thallium; Titanium.
Inorganic acids

Acidum

Acidum

Acidum

Acidum

Acidum

Acidum

Acidum

Acidum

boracicum;
hydrobromicum;
hydrofluoricum;
muriaticum;
nitricum;
nitro muriaticum;
phosphoricum;
sulphuricum

Inorganic
Calcarea arsenicum; Calcarea bromatum; Calcarea carbonicun; Calcarea fluorata; Calcarea hypophosphorosum;
Calcarea iodatum; Calcarea lactica phosphorica; Calcarea muriaticum;; Calcarea phosphoricum; Calcarea picricum;
Calcarea sulphuratum; Hepar sulphuris; Lapis albus
Organic
Aethyl nitrosum; Amylenum nitrosum; Anilinum; Atropinum; Benzenum;
Chloralum; Chloroformum; Formalin; Glonoinum; Glycerinum; Indigo;

Camphora; Carboneum sulphuratum;

Iodoformum; Menthol; Methylene blue;

Naphthalinum; Paraffinum; PetroleumPix liquida; Propylamine; Sulphanilamide; Sulphonal; Thiosinaminum; Thymolum;

Trinitrotoluene; Urea; Uric acid.
Adamas; Aethiops antimonalis; Anthracite; Anthrakokali; Antipyrinum; Benzoaris; Eupionum; Fluorspar; Graphites;
Hekla lava; Ichthyolum; Kaolin; Kerosolenum; Kreosotum; Mica; Slag; Tetradymite.
Mineral springs

Carlsbad: The waters of the Sprudel and Muhlbrunnen springs.

Levico: An arsenical mineral water of South Tyorol

Sanicula: A mineral spring water of Ottawa, Ill., U.S.A.

Skookum Chuck: Skookum Limechen Chuck Lake.

Vichy: Mineral springs at Vichy, France [Grande-Grille springs}.

Wiesbaden: The spring at Wiesbaden, in Prussia.

Nosodes
Homoeopathic preparations from pure microbial culture obtained from diseased tissue and clinical materials
(secretions, discharges, etc.) are known as NOSODES.
CLASSIFICATION OF NOSODES

N-I Made from lysates of microorganisms capable of producing bacterial endotoxins. Eg. Typhoidinum

N-II Made from microorganisms capable of producing exotoxin Eg. Diptherinum

N-III Made from purified toxins.

N-IV Made from microorganisms / viruses / clinical materials from diseased subjects eg. Psorinum
Anthracinum
Anthrax poison, prepared from spleen of sheep or cattle.
Carcinosinum
Cancerous tissue
Diphtherinum Diphtheric membrane
Medorrhinum
Urethral discharge from acute gonorrhoea
Psorinum
Itch eruption
Syphilinum
Syphilitic lesion Primary or Secondary.

Plant Nosodes

Secale cornutum Fungus growing upon seed of ergot rye

Ustilago maydis Fungus growing on stem of Indian corn

Nectrianinum Nosode of cancer of tree (Nectria ditissima)

Other Nosodes

Ambra Grisea Morbid secretion from liver of sperm whale. It is extracted from rectum and found floating on

sea.
Boletus Laricis prepared from dried fungus purging Agaric / Larch Boletus.
Cholesterinum prepared from gall stone.
Calculus renalis prepared from renal calculus.
Hippomanes prepared from a sticky mucoid substance of urinous odour found in the amniotic fluid of the

mare.
Malaria officinalis Prepared from mire taken during dryness of a malarial marsh.
Malandrinum lysate from exudates of horse malandra (grease) discharge of eczema in the fold of the knee.
Morbillinum from exudates of mouth and pharynx of measles of infected patients.
O.A.N synovial fluid of articulations especially knee and hip of osteoarthritis patients.
Pyrogenum prepared originally from decomposition of meat of beef.
Usnea barbata prepared from lichen infecting soft maple.
Vaccinonum prepared from the lymph of cow pox.
Variolinum lysate obtained from the serosity of smallpox pustule.

Carcinosins

Epitheliomine extract of epithelioma.

Schirrinum Carcinoma schirrus (Stomach)

Carcinocin - Hepatica metastat.

Carcinocin adeno vesica papillary adenocarcinoma of bladder.

Carcinosin pulmonale pulmonary cancer.

Tuberculinums

Tuberculinum avis prepared from Mycobacterium tuberculosis aviare.

Tuberculinum bovinum prepared from the pus of tuberculosis abscess in animal.

Tuberculinum Koch culture of Mycobacterium tuberculosis

Bacillinum Burnett from the sputum of tuberculosis patients containing the bacteria.

Bacillinum testium prepared from the testicle of tuberculosis patient.

Bowel

Nosodes
Morgan (Bach) Morgan Pure- Morgan Gaertner
Proteus
Mutabile
Bacillus no.7
Gaertner
Dysentery-co
Sycotic-co
Faecalis

Sarcodes
Sarcodes are preparations from the secretions of healthy organisms, healthy animal tissues and secretions.

Thyroidinum

Adrenaline
Pituitarum posterium
Cortisone
Adrenocorticotrophin
Insulin
Pepsin
Orchitinum
Oophorinum
Pancreatinum
Cholesterinum
Fel tauri
Vulpis fel
Colostrum

Imponderabilia
Immaterial dynamic energies that are utilized as potentized homoeopathic medicines. (Aphorism 286, 6th edition,
Organon of Medicine)

Natural source

Luna moons rays

Sol suns rays

Magnetis poli ambo the magnet

Magnetis polus arcticus North Pole of magnet

Magnetis polus australis South Pole of magnet

Man-made source

X-ray

Electricitas Atmospheric & static

Galvanismus galvanism
Tautopathic

or

Synthetic

Source

Compounds synthesized, that have found a place in allopathic system of medicine, are potentized, proved on healthy
provers and administered on the Similia principle. This category of drugs is termed as synthetic.
Examples

Aspirin

Chloramphenicol

Chlorpromazinum

Corticotrophin

Histamine hydrochloride

Mannitol

Penicillin
Collection & preservation of Plant Drugs
WHOLE PLANT:
In flowering season, when partly in flower and partly in bud during sunny weather.
ROOTS:

ANNUALS: Early in autumn.

BIENNIALS: In the spring of the second year.

PERENNIALS: In the second or third year, before they develop woody fibers.

STEMS: After development of leaves.

WOOD:
In early spring or late in autumn before the juices are not exhausted.

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BARKS:
RESIN: In early spring, at the time of development of leaves and blossoms.
NON-RESIN: Late in autumn from young vigorous trees.
HERBS:
When they are fully developed, should be cut just above roots.
LEAVES:
Just before and during early part of flowering time. Leaves of biennial plants
are collected in spring of second year as soon as flowering stems begin to shoot.
TWIGS: Of present years growth only.
FLOWERS:
Partly in bud and partly in blossom, in dry weather.
BULBS:
As soon as they mature when the leaves begin to decay.
FRUITS AND SEEDS:
When they are fully ripe. Succulent fruits, seeds or berries should be used while fresh. Only dried fruits, seeds or
berries may be stored in well closed glass container.
Phytochemistry active principles of plant drugs
The active principles of a drug are the potent constituents of the drug that is individual to the drug and are responsible
for the pharmacodynamic action of the drug.
GLYCOSIDES
Glycosides are non-reducing organic substances. They are colourless, crystalline or amorphous solid substances
soluble

in water and alcohol. The name of all glycosides ends in in.

Digitalis digitoxin, digoxin, digitalin
Mezereum daphin.
Cinchona quinovin.
Aesculus hippocastanum aesculetin
Ruta graveolens rutin.
Thuja occidentalis thujin, thujetin, thujenin.

TANNINS
Tannins consist of complex, organic, non- nitrogenous, phenolic compounds of high molecular weight. They possess the
property to tan, i.e. to convert hide and skin into leather.

Hydrolyzable tannins: Rheum, Hamamelis

Condensed tannins: Cinnamon, Cinchona

Pseudotannins: Nux vomica, Ipecacuanha

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RESINS
Resins are plant exudates, except shellac or lac, which the lac-insect
prepares from plant juices. Resins associated with volatile oil are called
oleo-resins. Resins in association with both volatile oil and gum are called oleo-gum- resins. If the resins contain
benzoic acid and / or cinnamic acid and / or their esters, they are called balsams.
Gum-resins Asafoetida
Lignan Podophyllum: podophyllotoxin
ALKALOIDS
Alkaloids are organic nitrogenous substances, more or less alkaline in action and are the secondary metabolites of a
plant.

Belladonna: atropine, apoatropine

Stramonium: hyoscyamine, hyoscine.
Cinchona: quinine, quinidine, cinchonine
Ipecacuanha: emetine
Opium: morphine, codeine, thebaine, papaverine
Secale cornutum: ergometrine, ergotamine
Nux vomica: strychnine, brucine
Conium maculatum: coniine
Aconitum napellus: aconitine, benzoylaconine
Colchicum autumnale: colchicine

VOLATILE OILS
Volatile oils are odorous constituents of plants. They are liquid and volatile with a characteristic smell. They are
characteristic of certain orders such as Labiatae, Rutaceae, Myrtaceae, Lauraceae, Piperaceae and Zingiberaceae.

Mentha piperita : Peppermint oil

Camphora
: Camphor

Nux moschata : Nutmeg oil

Eucalyptus
: Eucalyptus oil

Santalum album : Sandalwood oil

FIXED OILS, FATS AND WAXES
Fixed oils and fats, obtained from plants, differ only as regards their melting point but chemically they belong to the
same group. If a substance is liquid at 15.5 to 16.5, it is called fixed oil and if it is solid or semi-solid at the above
temperature, it is called fat.

Ricinus comunis: Castor oil

Croton tiglium : Croton oil

Hydnocarpus
: Hydnocarpus oil
10. Collection & Preservation of Animal Kingdom
Venoms are obtained from serological laboratories and are quickly dry-freezed and preserved in glycerin.
Elaps corallinus : The venom is collected by compressing a butter-plate against the fangs or by letting the snake bite
through a cloth covering a wide-mouth bottle.

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Lachesis: The living snake is stunned with a blow; the venom is then collected on sugar of milk by pressing the poison
fang upwards against the bag.
Crotalus horridus, Naja tripudians, Vipera :
Venom is procured by compressing the gland when the serpent is either pinioned in a frame or under the influence of
chloroform.
Bufo rana: The live animal is fastened to a slab of cork by four strong pins stuck through the webs of the feet. The
poles of an induction apparatus in action are slowly drawn over the back of the animal, whereupon the poison very
soon issues from the dorsal glands.
Cantharis: In May or June when the insects swarm upon the trees, they are collected in the morning at sunrise, when
they are torpid from the cold of night and easily let go their hold.. Person with their faces protected by masks and their
hand with gloves shakes the tree or beat with poles. The insects are collected as they fall upon linen cloths spread
underneath. They are then exposed in sieves to the vapour of boiling vinegar and having been thus deprived of life,
are dried in the sun or in apartments heated by stoves.
Homoeopathic vehicles and bases.
Homoeopathic vehicles are material agents that are therapeutically inert, having no curative properties of its own, as
well as chemically non-reactive with drug substances. They are a media for extraction of the properties of the drug, its
preservation and conveyance of the properties of the drug to the intended site of action.
Classification of homoeopathic vehicles

Solid vehicles

Sugar of milk

Cane sugar

Globules and Pilules

Pellets

Cones

Tablets
Liquid

vehicles Distilled water

Alcohol
Glycerin
Solvent ether
Syrup simplex
Olive oil
Almond oil
Almond oil
Sesame oil
Chaulmoogra oil
Coconut oil
Sandalwood oil
Lavender oil
Rosemary oil

Semi-solid vehicles
Paraffin: Hard Paraffin; Soft Paraffin [Yellow soft paraffin, White soft paraffin];

Liquid Paraffin

Beeswax: Yellow beeswax; White beeswax

Lanolin

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Spermaceti
Prepared lard
Isinglass
Soap: Hard soap; Soft soap; Curd soap,
Starch

Vehicles for preparation of mother tincture, mother solution, mother substance

Alcohol

Distilled water

Glycerin

Solvent ether

Sugar of milk

Vehicles for potentization

Sugar of milk

Alcohol

Distilled water
Vehicles for dispensing of Homoeopathic medicines
Globules

Pilules

Cones

Tablets

Sugar of milk

Distilled water

Syrup simplex
Vehicles as bases for external applications
Distilled water

Alcohol

Glycerin

Olive oil

Almond oil

Sesame oil

Chaulmoogra oil

Coconut oil

Sandalwood oil

Lavender oil

Rosemary oil

Paraffin

Beeswax

Lanolin

Spermaceti

Prepared lard

Isinglass

Soap

Starch
Saccharum
(saccharum lactose, sugar of milk)

Chemical formula: C12H22O11, H2O

Molecular weight: 360.3

Source: goats milk

Stapfs process of purification of saccharum lactose (John Ernst Stapf)

Steps

450gm. sl +2 liters of boiling water

filter using filter paper

lactis

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filtrate+ 2 liters of absolute alcohol

keep for 3-4 days
crystals deposits
add some alcohol to crystallized mass and wash in purified water
crystals are diluted by pouring through filter paper and kept airtight .
Stable in air, but readily absorbs odors.
1gm is soluble in 5ml of water; in 2.6ml of boiling water; very slightly soluble in alcohol; practically insoluble in
chloroform and in ether.
Its solution is neutral to litmus.
Impurities are Starch, Cane sugar, Acid radical, Alum, Chloride, Phosphates, and Copper.

14. Globules are prepared from pure cane sugar (pharmaceutical grade of cane sugar / sucrose) with globule making
pan or pill tubes.

It is sometimes made with 80% sucrose and 20% lactose.

Molecular weight 342.3

Colour: white

Shape: uniform and perfectly globular

Size: Size numbers 40, 50, 60, 70 or 80 are generally called pilules. The smaller sizes are called globules.

Consistency: not be too soft or too hard

Odor: odorless

Taste: sweet, as it is made from cane sugar

Solubility: entirely soluble in water

Dispensing of homoeopathic potencies as well as placebo.

For preservation of homoeopathic medicines.

Globules are to be kept in airtight bottles and kept away from moisture.

The globules retain their medicinal value for many years, if protected against sunlight and heat.

Impurities are Flavour, Starch, Glucose, Glycerin, Talc, Chalk, Kaolin, Antioxidants, inorganic & whitening
agents.
Pellets are small, sterile cylinders about 3.2 mm diameter by 8mm in length that are formed by compression from
medicated masses. In Homoeopathy, it is a synonym for globule.
15. Cones Source Cane sugar and egg albumin

Conical in shape

Size by the diameter of base in millimeter; common size 6

For preservation of medicines for a long time.

16. Tablet -source Pure refined sugar of milk. Prepared by tablet punching machine.

Shape: discoid, round with flat or convex face

Size: In size of 1grain or 65 mg

Consistency: softer than globules

Lactose content not less than 94%

Binder not exceeding 3%w/w

Lubricant not exceeding 3% w/w

Insoluble matter not exceeding 5% w/w

Disintegration time with in 5 minutes.

Ash value 0.5% w/w

Tablets serve as solid dosage forms for dispensing of homoeopathic medicines.

17. Distilled Water

Synonym: Purified water; Aqua distillata; Aqua purificata

Chemical symbol: H2O

Molecular weight: 18.015

Prepared by

Compression distillation using Leibigs condenser (Small scale).

Purification by Stills Conventional Stills & Multiple effect Still.

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Deionization- Cation exchangers (Zeokarb 225, Amberlite IR 120 resin)

Anion exchangers (Amberlite IR 400, DeAcidite FF, Zeolite FF resin)
Specific gravity 1.000 at 25C.
Boiling point 100C
Freezing point 0C
pH
5.8 7
Impurities Acidity or Alkalinity, iron, lead, Ammonia, Chloride, Sulphate, Calcium
For preparation of aqueous mother solutions according to Class VA and Class VB.
It is used to convert solid trituration potency into a liquid potency for succussions.
To prepare mother solution for LM scale.

18. Ethyl Alcohol. Synonym: Ethanol; Spirit of Wine;

Chemical symbol: C2H5OH

Molecular weight: 46.07

Prepared by

Distillation of fermented liquids containing carbohydrates or by synthesis. It contains not less than 94.7%v/v or

92.0%w/w and not more than 95.2%v/v or 92.7%w/w of ethyl alcohol.

Usable carbohydrate -containing materials include molasses, sugarcane, beetroot, grapes, fruit juices, corn,

barley, wheat, rice, maize, potato, wood and waste sulphite liquors.
Impurities in alcohol are acid, fusel oil, water, methyl alcohol.
Varieties of Alcohol:
Absolute alcohol Prepared by dehydration of rectified spirit with fresh quick lime or by distillation of rectified

spirit, mixed with little benzene

Contains not less than 99.4%v/v or 99%w/w of ethyl alcohol.
Specific gravity 0.795.
It is used in Stapf process for the purification of sugar of milk.
Dispensing alcohol Prepared by diluting 947ml of strong alcohol to 1000ml with purified water
Contains 91.4%v/v (limit 91.0 to 92.0%v/v) of ethyl alcohol
Specific gravity: 0.8289 to 0.8319
Dispensing alcohol is used for making most of the dilutions from tinctures, in Centesimal and Decimal scale,

preparation of potencies of fifty millesimal scale and conversion of solid triturations into liquid potencies.
Dilute alcohol Prepared by diluting 632ml of strong alcohol to 1000ml with purified water.
Contains 60%v/v (limit 59.5% to 60.5%v/v) of ethyl alcohol
Specific gravity: 0.9139 to 0.9169
After conversion of solid trituration, 6X potency to 8X in the liquid form, the next higher potency 9X is prepared

with dilute alcohol (HPI).

Dilute alcohol is used to prepare 1X and 1C potencies from the mother tincture prepared according to Old

Hahnemannian Method, prepare evaporating lotions and cleansing of utensils.

Proof Spirit It is legally defined as being a spirit, which at a temperature of 51oF shall weigh exactly 12/13th

of weight of an equal measure of distilled water.

Specific gravity: 0.91976
Contains 57.1% of ethyl alcohol by volume and 49.28% of ethyl alcohol by weight. Spirit of this strength is

called 100% Proof Spirit. So 57.1% by volume of Spirit is equivalent to 100% Proof Spirit.
Weaker spirits are termed as Under Proof U.P. and stronger spirits are termed as Over Proof O.P..
Conversion of % concentration to proof strength and vice versa
20o OP = 120 / 1.75 = 68.57%
60o OP = 160 / 1.75 = 91.42%
10o UP = 90 / 1.75 = 51.4%
91.42% = (91.42 X 1.75) 100 = 60 i.e. 60 OP
60%
= (60 X 1.75) 100 = 5 i.e. 5 OP
40%
= (40 X 1.75) 100 = 30 i.e. 30 UP
Rectified Spirit 60 O.P. means Pure Rectified Spirit containing 160 percent of Proof Spirit.
Specific gravity: 0.829.

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Contains 91.29 % by volume of ethyl alcohol.

19. Glycerin

Chemical formula: CH2OH CHOH CH2OH or C3H8O3

Molecular weight: 92.09

Boiling point 290C

Specific gravity 1.26

For the preservation of poisonous animal products and venom of snakes.

For preparation of glyceroles and lotions.

For preparation of mother tinctures of Apis mellifica, Tarantula, etc.

20. Solvent Ether- : (C2H5)2O Mol Wt: 74.12
21. Oils
Olive oil Oleum olivae A fixed oil obtained from ripe fruits of Olea europea. Pale Yellow colour (green to

greenish yellow), Spf. gr. 0.910 0.913 at 20C.

Almond oil Oleum amygdalae expressum : A fixed oil obtained from kernels of seeds of Prunus

amygdalus.Pale yellow colour, Spf. gr 0.910 0.915 at 20C.

Sesame oil
Oleum sesami; Gingelly oil
: A fixed oil obtained from seeds of Sesamum indicum. Pale

yellow colour, faint odour, Spf. gr 0.916 0.921 at 20C.

Chaulmoogra oil Oleum chaulmoograe A fixed oil expressed from fresh ripe seeds of Hydnocarpus

Hydnocarpus wightiana.Brownish yellow colour, rancid butter odour.

Sandal wood oil Oleum santali-: A volatile oil obtained from dried heartwood of Santalum album Thick, pale

yellow colour, strongly aromatic odour, Spf. gr 0.973 0.985 at 20C.

Lavender oil Oleum lavendulae : A volatile oil obtained from
fresh flowering tops of Lavendula

officinalis.Yellowish green colour, Spf. gr 0.875 0.888 at 25C.

Rosemary oil : Oleum rosmarini A volatile oil prepared from fresh flowering tops of Rosmarinus officinalis.

kurzii or

Pale yellow colour, characteristic odour of rosemary, Spf. gr 0.894 0.912 at 20C.
22. Semi Solid Vehicles Vehicles that are in the semisolid state at room temperature.
Paraffin hard (Paraffinum durum; Paraffin wax)
Source: Petroleum
It is used, mainly to increase the consistency of ointments.
It is an ingredient of paraffin ointment, simple ointment and wool alcohol ointment.
Yellow soft paraffin (petrolatum; Amber petrolatum; Yellow petrolatum; Petroleum jelly; Paraffin jelly; Paraffinum molle
flavum)
It is used as a base for ointments. It is highly occlusive and a good emollient.
White Soft Paraffin (white petrolatum; white petroleum jelly; paraffinum molle album)
The utility of white petrolatum is similar to yellow petrolatum, but is often preferred because of its freedom from color.
It is employed as a protective, a base for ointments and cerates and forms the basis for burn dressings.
Liquid Paraffin (Mineral oil; Liquid petrolatum; white mineral oil; Heavy liquid petrolatum)
It is used in the preparation of eye ointment.
Yellow Bee Wax (Cera flava)
Source: wax from honeycomb or the hive bee of Apis mellifica
It is used in the preparation of cerates and ointments and used for hardening of soft ointment.
White Bee Wax (Cera alba)
It is used as a component of cerates and ointments.
Lanolin (wool fat, Adeps lanae)
Source: from the wool of sheep, Ovis aries
It is used as a base in water-absorbable ointment, increases the absorption of the drug from the skin. It is used also as
an emollient.
Spermaceti (Cetaceum, Esperma de Ballena)
Source : from head and blubber of sperm whale, Physeter macrocephalus and bottle- nosed whale Hyperoodon
rostratus.
It is one of the solid fatty substances employed to give consistency to cerates
and ointments.
Prepared Lard (Adeps lard)
Source: purified internal fat known as flare, of the abdomen of hog, Sus scrofa or Sus domestica
It is used as an ingredient in ointments.
Isinglass (Russian Isinglass, Ichthyocolla)
Source : collagen derived from the thin, inner, silver shiny layer of the air bladder of some fishes, particularly
Sturgeon, Acipenser huso.
It is an important component of plasters.
Soft soap (Sapo mollis)

14
Source : interaction of potassium hydroxide or sodium hydroxide with a suitable vegetable oil or oils or with fatty
acids derived there from.
It is used in soap liniment.
Hard Soap (Sapo durus)
Source: it is prepared from fats or oils, with sodium hydroxide and it consists of the sodium salts of the fatty acids.
Curd soap (Sapo animalis)
Source : Soap made with soda and purified animal fat consisting principally of stearin.
It usually constitutes the bar laundry soap.
It is a component of opodeldocs.
Starch (Amylum)
Source : grain of maize; grain of wheat tubers of potato; rice
It is a component of glycerol of starch.
It has absorbent and demulcent properties.
23.
Glass mortar for mercurial preparations, ointments.
24.

According to HPI, the sieves are specified as sieve numbers 6, 8, 10,

22, 25, 30, 36, 44, 60, 85, 100 and 200.
25. For drying at a very high temperature, crucible made of silica is used.
26. Dessicator is used for removing moisture or dehydration of substances at moderate temperature. The air inside
the desiccator is always kept dry by placing some drying agent like fused calcium chloride or Conc. sulphuric acid.
27. Pycnometer (specific gravity bottle) is used for determination of specific

gravity &Hydrometer is used or rapid

detection of specific gravity & relative density of liquid.

28. Alcoholometer Used for estimating the strength of alcohol.
Markings are in actual percentage of alcohol.
29. Decantation is a process of slowly and carefully pouring out liquids from one vessel to another without disturbing
the sediments that have been accumulated at the bottom of the liquid.
30. Filtration is a physical process of separation of a liquid from substances insoluble in that liquid with the help of a
filtering medium through which only the liquid can pass but not the other substances insoluble in that liquid.
31. Evaporation is the simple process of removing a liquid slowly from a solution.
32. Distillation is a process of converting a liquid into a gas and condensing the gas back into a liquid.
33. Fractional distillation is the method used for separating a mixture of several liquids of different boiling points, as
in the case of organic liquids.
34. Sublimation is the process of distilling a solid; of converting the solid into a vapor and condensing the vapor back
to a solid. Sublimation is a method of obtaining crystals.
35. Desiccation is a process of removing water from a substance at moderate temperature, differing from exsiccation,
which means removing the water from a substance at high temperatures.
36. Precipitation is the process of separating a solid from its solution by the aid of physical or chemical action.
37. Crystallization is the process of separating substances in forms possessing definite geometric shapes.
38. Sifting is a process of separating finer portions of comminuted drugs from the coarser particles by the use of a
sieve. This is determining particle size.
40. As per Pharmacopoeia, preparations of mother tinctures, solutions and triturates have been standardized in
decimal scale and have uniform drug strength of 1/10.
41. Tinctures and solutions other than 1/10 or 1/100 drug strength

Bufo rana
1/1000

Cactus grandiflorus
1/20

Causticum
1/2

Chlorinum
1/1000

Moschus

1/20

Phosphorus
1/667

Sulphur

1/5000

15
42. Determination of moisture content:

Gravimetric method Loss on Drying [as per HPI]

Separation and Measurement of Moisture Distillation Method

Gas Chromatography Method

Chemical Method Karl Fischer Titration

Spectroscopic Methods
43. Maceration
It is the process of removing the active principles from a drug by allowing the latter to remain at room temperature in
contact with the solvent for several days, with frequent agitation.
Gummy and mucilaginous substances with viscid juice.
Time required is 2 4 weeks.
44. Percolation
It is a process of extracting the soluble constituents of a drug and preparing the mother tincture by the passage of a
solvent through the powdered drug contained in a suitable vessel called percolator for a definite period of time as per
directions specified in Pharmacopoeia.
Percolation is adopted for extraction of dry vegetable and animal substances.
Percolation usually requires 24 hours of extraction.
In preparation of liquid potencies, scales used are Centesimal, Decimal, and Fifty millesimal. In preparation of solid
potencies, decimal and centesimal scales are used. When trituration attains 6X potency; then it is converted into liquid
potency and potentized.
45. Centesimal

scale This scale was introduced by Hahnemann in 5th edition of Organon of Medicine, Aphorism

270, designated by C or CH. Ratio 1: 99.

46. Decimal

scale

Dr. Constantine Hering of Philadelphia was the first who introduced the decimal scale. Dr. Vehsemeyer of Berlin, in
1836, in a precise manner, set forth the principles, therein involved. The decimal potency is denoted by suffixing the
letter X or D to the number indicating the potency. Ratio 1: 9
47. Fifty millesimal potencies are based on the principle enunciated by Hahnemann
in his sixth edition of Organon of Medicine Aphorism 270. Fifty millesimal potencies were termed by Dr. Pierre
Schmidt.
Preparation of LM potencies (HPI)
Triturate drug with the sugar of milk to prepare 3C potency. One grain of the 3C potency is dissolved (by shaking) in
500 drops of a mixture of one part of dispensing alcohol and four parts of purified water. Thus, the dry trituration is
converted into liquid form. It is called as mother potency of LM potency. One drop of mother potency is put in a
suitable vial of neutral glass and 100 drops of pure alcohol are added so that the vial is filled 2/3 rd full. This is to be
succussed 100 times. This makes the first LM potency- 0/1 . For preparation of each subsequent potency, soak few
globules (100 globules weighing 65 mg and such 500 globules can hardly absorb one drop for their saturation are
taken.) of nearly uniform size in a drop of the preceding potency, dry them. Take one globule and dissolve it in a drop
of Purified Water in new phial. Add 100 drops of dispensing alcohol to it and give 100 strong succussions. All
subsequent potencies are prepared

by succussing 1 globule (equivalent to 1 / 500 th part of a drop) with 100 parts

of alcohol, decreasing the material quantity by 50000 times at each potency.

Fifty millesimal potencies are designated by

0/1, 0/2, 0/3, 0/30

LM 1, LM 2, LM 3 LM 30

16

LM I, LM II, LM III LM XXX

0/I, 0/II, 0/III 0/XXX

Drug strength of 0/1 potency is 1/51010.

48. In triturating Plumbum, pestle has to be used softly.
49. In making the first trituration of Mercury, Graphites and Plumbum, double time is required.
50. In triturating Ferrum metallicum, the moisture has to be driven out by keeping the mortar warm.
51. Trituration
Drug and sugar of milk are taken according to scale. Drug is taken in an unglazed porcelain mortar. Sugar of milk is
divided into three parts in a definite ratio, on a measuring tile. The process of trituration consumes one hour time.
Each stage consumes twenty minutes. In each stage, one part of sugar of milk is added. Each stage consumes twenty
minutes. In each stage, one part of sugar of milk is added. Each stage is divided into two sub-stages that consume ten
minutes each. The process carried out in the first ten minutes of each stage is repeated for the next ten minutes. Each
sub-stage of ten minutes consists of grinding or pulverizing for six minutes; and scraping and mixing for four
minutes.(Organon Ratio is 3:3:3, HPI 1:3:5).
52. Conversion of trituration to succussion in decimal scale -Jumping Potency (Fluxion Potency)
All medicinal substances triturated to 6X trituration are soluble in water and alcohol.
Dissolve one part of 6X trituration in 50 parts of water and 50 parts of dispensing alcohol. Give 10 succussions to this
liquid mixture. Number 7X dilution from 6X trituration is not possible. The first potency prepared from 6X trituration is
8X. The 7X cannot be prepared in the proportion of one to nine. To get 7X potency from 6X, 5 parts of water and 5
parts of alcohol are required to succuss 1 part of 6X potency. This quantity is not sufficient to dissolve the solute. Thus,
50 parts each by volume of water and alcohol is required for the dissolution of 1 part of 6X potency. After succussion,
the solute is found to be reduced 100 times, giving drug strength of 8X potency.
53. Modified Potentization Techniques
Korsakoff Potencies General Korsakoff of Russia was the real originator of high potencies. He believed that one single
medicated globule when placed among many non- medicated globules communicated its medicinal power to the nonmedicated globules.
Jenichen Potencies -Jenichen of Wismar pursued the idea that further attenuation is not necessary for dynamization of
medicine, but continuous succussion without dilution is sufficient. He advocated that the degree of strength was
directly proportional to the number of strokes given.
Dunham potencies Carroll Dunham was one of the early people to mechanize the process of potentization. He used
an abandoned oil-mill for preparing potencies. His potencies were suffixed by letter D.
Finckes continuous fluxion Potency Bernhard Fincke used a spring as a model of power for his succussions. A one
drachm vial filled with a hand made 30C potency is subjected to a continuous water flow. When one drachm of water
has flowed through the vial, the potency was considered to have been raised by one degree. The important concept in
this process is that the walls of the glass vial have adsorbed the medicinal substance.
Skinners discontinuous fluxion Potencies Skinners potencies were prepared by a process of discontinuous fluxion in
contrast to the continuous fluxion of Fincke. Thomas Skinner developed Skinner Fluxion Centesimal Attenuator. This
device was designed to mount above a small to mount above a small sink in the office or home. The motive power was
water pressure. The potencies are labeled F.C. (Fluxion Centesimal).

17
Swans Potencies Samuel Swan used fractional part of potencies and attenuated from them. He suggested that if one
drop of tincture were used to make 1M potency, then 1/10th of a drop of the 1M would be used to make the 10M. This
method had more to do with the dilution of the final potency rather than the serial dilution of each potency along the
way.
Multiple or Single vial Potencies- Hahnemannian method of potentization requires a new vial to be used for every stage
of potentization, which is the original method developed by Hahnemann. It is known as Hahnemanns Multiple Vial
method.
Single vial potencies are easier and cheaper to produce. They are also called Korsakoff potencies.
54. Mother tincture for external useWhen a mother tincture is to be used for the purpose of preparing external applications, it needs to undergo a
modification. Normally, except otherwise specified, 10% mixture of mother tincture for external application and
suitable base is used.
If the mother tincture is prepared according to New method, equal weight of mother tincture and ethyl alcohol are to
be taken and this mother tincture will be used for external application.
According to Old Hahnemannian method, Tincture of Class I and II, 1 part by weight of mother tincture and 1.5 parts by
weight of ethyl alcohol (45%) are to be mixed. For tincture of Class III, 1.5 parts by weight of mother tincture and 1
part by weight of ethyl alcohol (60%) are to be mixed. Fortincture of Class IV, 1 part by weight of mother tincture and 1
part by weight of ethyl alcohol that was used for the preparation of the mother tinctures are to be mixed
55. External Applications (Apho- 284 -285, 6th edition)
Liniments are liquid preparations, applied with or without friction, by rubbing, anointing or painting. Liniments may be
alcoholic solutions, oily solutions or emulsions, prepared with tincture of soap or olive oil. Liniments are prepared by
mixing one part of the required drug with four parts of olive oil or tincture of soap (according to HPI).
Lotions are aqueous solutions, suspensions or dispersions for application to the skin surface. If they contain insoluble
solids in suspension, they are sometimes suspension; they are sometimes referred to as Shake Lotions. Lotions may
be prepared by diluting medicine with water in proportion of 1 to 10 or 100 or by adding 1 part of glycerole with 4 or 9
parts of water.
Glyceroles are mixtures of solutions of mother tincture in glycerin. They are usually viscous with jelly like
consistency.Glyceroles are made by adding mother tincture of a drug to glycerin in various proportions. All glyceroles
(except of starch) are prepared by mixing one part of the required drug with four parts of glycerin. Glyceroles are antifungal, anti-pruritic and used in cases of stomatitis and gingivitis.
Glycerole of starch 1 part of starch + 8 parts of glycerin. Transfer the mixture to porcelain dish. Apply heat, stir till
starch particles are completely broken and a jelly like preparation is made.
Ointments are semi-solid preparations used for application to the skin. They are used for emollient, protective or other
surface effects.
Fusion method When wax, spermaceti or other hard fusible bodies are to be incorporated with soft, oleaginous
materials, fusion method is employed. The insoluble solid medicament is finely powdered.
Mechanical incorporation or

trituration method: This method is used when the base is soft and the medicament is

either a solid insoluble in the base or a liquid present in small quantity. Mechanical incorporation is performed by
trituration in a mortar or a glass slab with a spatula.

18
Opodeldocs are semi-solid liniments prepared by mixing specified quantities of white curd soap and purified water are
heated gently till the solution becomes transparent. Strong alcohol is then added gradually. The mother tincture of the
drug is then added and it is stirred well.
Cerates are oily substances containing cera or wax. Mix spermaceti 3 parts, white wax 6 parts and olive oil 14 parts. 1
part of mother tincture is mixed 9 parts of simple cerate. It is used as dressings for inflamed areas.
Poultices (Cataplasms) are soft, semi sold external applications that either stimulate the body surface or alleviate an
inflamed area by applying medicated substances in the presence of heat and moisture. It helps in drawing infective
material from the affected area due to its hygroscopic and absorptive properties of the ingredients.
Fomentations are one method of external applications. They do not contain any medicament. They act firmly on
thermal principle. Two types Hot & Cold.
56. The term Posology originates from the Greek posos meaning how much and logos meaning study or discourse.
The terminology of dose originates from the word dosis, which means the quantity of a drug.
Minimum Dose- It is the amount of medicine which is though smallest in quantity produces the least possible excitation
of the vital force, yet sufficient to effect the necessary changes in it. It is that dose which is sufficient to overpower and
annihilate the disease and capable o producing slight homoeopathic aggravation scarcely observable after its
ingestion.
Maximum Dose it is the maximum or largest possible amount of medicine, which can be taken at a time by an adult,
not harmful to human life.
Lethal of Fatal Dose it is also known as toxicological or narcotic dose. It is such amount of dose which can cause
death of living being.
Booster Dose A subsequent dose given to enhance the action of initial dose.
Fractional or refractive Dose It is the fraction of a full dose which is to be taken at sort intervals.
Physiological Dose Dose which stimulates the normal physiology or function of the different organs or systems of our
body and the symptoms thus appearing are known as physiological symptoms.
57. Prescription is derived from the Latin word prescripto (pre before; scripto write).

A prescription is a written document (order) given by a physician to the dispenser for preparation of required

medication as well as instructions about the mode of intake, for a particular patient, at a particular time.
Superscription Name of the patient, age and sex with address. The word For is
written before the name of the patient.
The symbol Rx- This sign was originally employed as the sign of Jupiter. It is now used as an abbreviation for

the Latin word recipe receive

Inscription Name of the remedy, its potency and its quantity. Nature and quantity of various vehicles.
Subscription Instructions and directions for the dispenser.
Signature Directions to the patient such as mode of intake, route of administration and the time of intake of
the medicine, when to report, advice regarding diet and regimen and any other instructions or caution to the
patient. Signature of the physician with date and registration number.

Abbreviation commonly used in Prescription.

a.c before food

ad lib. At pleasure

ad us. Exter. For external use

adhib. To be administered

19

b.d. Twice daily

b.i.d Twice in a day
capiend. To be taken
cochl.ampl. A Table spoonful
cochl.med. A dessert spoonful
cochl.parv. A teaspoonful
collyr. - An eye lotion
cont.rem. Continue the medicine
dieb. Alt. On alternate days
dos. A dose
freq. Frequently
gr. A grain
gtt. A drop
h.s.s. To be taken at bed time
m. Mix
mane. - In the morning
min. A minim
mist. A mixture
n.m. Night and morning
noct. At night
o.d. Every day
o.h. Every hour
omn. Man. Every morning
omn. Noct. Every night
p.a. To the affected part
p.c. After food.
q.i.d Four times a day.
s.o.s if necessary.
t .i. d. Thrice daily.
trit. Triturate.
Vac. Ven On empty stomach.

58. Pharmaconomy is the subject that deals with the route of administration of

medications.

Various route of administrating drugs are oral route, olfaction, and application to skin (epidermic), Enepidermic (drugs
are simply kept in contact with the unbroken skin without friction or rubbing), eye, ear, rectal route, vagina, urethra,
placental route and via milk of mother.
59. Placebo is a term used for a pharmacologically and pharmacodynamically inactive substance administered to a
patient during the course of therapy when no active drug treatment is indicated .(Placere to please; Placebo I shall
please).
Second best remedy placebo.
The label should carry an identity of Placebo like phytum, rubrum, nihilinum, lactopen, p pills, S.L., etc
60. Homoeopathic Pharmacodynamics is that branch of homoeopathic pharmacy that helps us to acquire
knowledge about the dynamic actions and effects of drugs on healthy organisms and constitutes the fundamental
aspects of homoeo-therapeutics
61. Albrecht von Haller advocates the necessity of drug proving before Hahnemann.
62. The three basic components of a drug proving are the Test Substance, the Proving Team, the Methodology.
63 The drug proving team consists of Project Director / Master Prover, Advisor / Expert, Proving
of Investigators and provers

Supervisors / Panel

20
Methodology of proving consists the Pre-proving Protocol, the Proving and Post Proving Protocol.
Recording of proving are done in Initial Medical Report Proforma, Provers Daybook / Logbook and Response Monitoring
Proforma.
Criteria for including symptoms -new symptoms unfamiliar to the prover, usual or current symptoms those are
intensified, current symptoms modified or altered, old symptoms that have not occurred for at least one year, present
symptoms that have disappeared during the proving. If a symptom is in doubt, it is included in brackets; if another
prover experienced the same symptom it could be valid. If not, it is excluded.
Extraction - The observations and experiences of all the provers have to be analyzed compared with their Initial
Medical Report Proforma and finally comparison of the control, test and crossover groups is done.
Collation All the provers separate sheets are put together. Symptoms with a common denominator are grouped
together under each section.
64. In India, Drugs and Cosmetics Act 1940 controls quality of homoeopathic medicines.
The Homoeopathic Pharmacopoeia Laboratory (HPL) was established in 1975 under the Ministry of Health and Family
Welfare, Government of India as a quality monitoring apex body.
Evaluation of crude, raw products of plant origin is carried out by, organoleptic evaluation, microscopic evaluation,
physical evaluation, chemical evaluation and biological evaluation.
Organoleptic evaluation It refers to evaluation by means of organs of senses such as external morphology (Shape
and Size), External colour, external markings, fracture, odour and taste.
Microscopic examination of drugs helps for searching adulterants in powdered drugs and also in the identification of
drugs. It consists of histology, microchemistry, micro-sublimation and crystallography.
Physical evaluation consists of Chromatographic study of drugs, Fluorescence test, Solubility, Specific gravity,
Melting point, Congealing point, Refractive index, Optical rotation and Water content or loss on drying.
Chemical methods of evaluation cover isolation, identification, purification and characteristic determination of drugs
having active principles. Quantitative analysis may be gravimetric, volumetric, gasometric and colorimetric analysis.
The chemical assays include: Color reaction test, Acid value, Iodine value, Saponification value, Ester value, Ash value,
Sulphated ash value, Determination of acid insoluble ash and Determination of water soluble ash.
Biological evaluation The assays on living animals and on their intact or cut-off organs to indicate the strength of
the drug or their preparation.
Mother tinctures are subjected to a qualitative and quantitative analysis such as Alcohol content determination,
Weight per ml, pH value, Total solids, Max , Fluorescence analysis,
Chromatography is a separation process based upon the differential distribution of a mixture between two phases,
one of which is percolated through other. There are various methods of chromatography study paper, thin layer,
columnar, gas, HPLC, HPTLC etc.
65. The drugs and cosmetic rules, 1945
The drugs and cosmetics act, 1940 (23 of 1940 10th April, 1940)
Import
30-AA

Import

Part
of

32-A : Packing and labelling of Homoeopathic medicine

Sale of Homoeopathic medicines Part VI A

67-A

67-B

67-C : Forms of licenses to sell drugs

New

IV
Homoeopathic

medicines

21

67-D : Sale at more than one place

67-E : Duration of licenses
67-EE : Certificate of renewal
67-F : Conditions to be satisfied before a license in Form 20-C or Form 20- D is granted
67-G : Conditions of license
67-GG : Additional information to be furnished by an applicant for license or a licensee to the licensing
authority
67-H : Cancellation and suspension of licenses

Manufacture for sale or for distribution of Homoeopathic medicines Part VII A

85-A : Manufacture on more than one set of premises

85-B : Application for license to manufacture Homoeopathic medicines

85-C : Application to manufacture New Homoeopathic medicines

85-E : Conditions for the grant or renewal of a license in Form 25 C

85-EA : Inspection before grant or renewal of license

85-EB : Report by Inspector

85-EC : Grant or refusal of license

85-ED : Further application after rejection

85-EE : Appeal to the State Government

85-F : Duration of license

85-G : Certificate of renewal

85-H : Conditions of license

85-HH : Additional information to be furnished by an applicant for license or a licensee to the licensing

authority
85-I : Cancellation and suspension of licenses

Labelling & packing of homoeopathic medicines Part IX A

106-A : Manner of labelling of Homoeopathic medicines

106-B : Prohibition of quantity and percentage

Standards Part XII
126-A : Standards of ophthalmic preparations including Homoeopathic Ophthalmic preparations
Schedules
Schedule A : Forms
Schedule FF : Standards for ophthalmic preparations
Schedules M-I

: Good manufacturing practices and requirements of premises, plant and equipment

66. The Drugs and Magic Remedies Act (Objectionable advertisement)

(21 of 1954) and the rules (1955)
These act and rules thereunder are intended to protect the consumer and prevent the practice of misleading and
extravagant claims made in respect of many medicines and especially those claiming as remedies for many diseases
considered at present as incurable.
67. Medicinal and Toilet Preparation (Excise Duties) Act, 1955
(No.16 of 1955)
It provides for the levy and collection of duty of excise on medicinal and toilet preparations containing alcohol, opium,
Indian hemp, or other narcotic drugs.
68. Dangerous Drugs Act 1930 and Rules 1957

22
This legislation relates to medicines containing opium, morphine, pethadine etc which are considered addition
forming, dependence producing drugs and regulates their manufacture, sales, possession etc.
69. Name of Drug

Aconite napellus

Aesculus hippocastanum

Aethusa cynapium

Cicuta virosa

Cina

Conium maculatum

Agaricus muscarius

Andrographis paniculata

Arnica montana

Asafaetida

Baptisia tintora

Belladonna

Phytolacca decandra

Bovista

Actea racemosa

Caulophyllum

Cinchona

Colocynthis

Convallaria majalis

Crocus sativus

Drosera

Helleborus niger

Holarrhena antidysentrica

Hypericum perfoliatum

Ignatia amara

Lycopodium

Millifolium

Nux moschata

Podophyllum

Psoralea corylifolia

Rhus tox

Sanguinaria canadensis

Stramonium

Thuja

Veratrum album

Withania somnifera

Synonyms
Family
Monks hood
Ranunculaceae
Horse chestnut
Sapindaceae
Garden hemlock/Fools Umbelliferae
Parsley
Water hemlock
Umbelliferae
Worm seed
Compositeae
Poison hemlock
Umbelliferae
Toad stool
Agaricaceae
Kalmegh
Acanthaceae
Leopards bane
Compositae
Devils dung
Umbelliferae
Wild indigo
Leguminosae
Deadly night shade
Solanaceae
American night shade
Phytolaccaceae
Puff ball
Lycoperdaceae
Black cohosh
Ranunculaceae
Blue cohosh
Beriberidaceae
Peruvian bark
Rubiaceae
Bitter gourd
Cucurbitaceae
Lilly of valley
Liliaceae
Saffron
Iridaceae
Sundew
Drosceraceae
Black hellebore
Ranunculaceae
Kurchi
Apocynaceae
St.Johns wort
Hypericaceae
St. Ignatius bean
Loganniaceae
Club moss /wolf foot
Lycopodiaceae
Yarrow
Compositae
Nut meg
Myristicaceae
May apple
Beriberidaceae
Babchi
Leguminosae
Poison ivy
Anacardiaceae
Blood root
Papaveraceaea
Thorn apple
Solanaceae
Arbor vitae
Cupressaceae
White hellebore
Liliaceae
Ashvagandha
Solanaceae

70. Pharmacognosy It is the science which deals with the history, source, cultivation, collection, preparation,
distribution, identification, composition, purity, preservation and commerce of crude drugs of vegetable and animal
origin.
71. Drug strength is the power or strength of drug in proportion to its solvent.
72. Drug is a therapeutic agent, prepared pharmaceutically from standardised drug substance according to the rules
and regulations of pharmacopoeia, which is sufficiently capable of affecting the sensations and functions, even the
structural change and may cause of death, if continued for a sufficient time and dose.
The word drug is derived from the French word drogue means a dry herb.

23
73.Medicine when a drug has been potentised homoeopathically and proved on healthy human beings in both
sexes, all ages and in different constitutions, producing abnormal signs and symptoms ( both subjective & objective) is
called medicine.
74. Remedy when a particular medicine is prescribed for a particular diseased condition, according to symptom
similarity and when the diseased condition is cured totally, the medicine is called a remedy.
75. Doctrine of Signature The relation between the drug source and drug symptoms. (advocated by Paracelsus).
Examples

Belladonna grows in a soil rich in calcium carbonate. Hence, Calcarea carb is complementary to Belladonna.

Tarantula hispanica is a spider that comes out when drums are beaten. Tarantula patient is sensitive to music.

Digitalis may be of use in blood diseases, as its flowers are adorned to with blood colored dots.

Euphrasia is a good remedy for eyes, as it had a black spot in corolla that looked like a pupil.

Hypericum having red juice maybe of use in hemorrhages.

Rhus tox plants are collected in damp weather, rainy season, in evening, as it possesses more medicinal

properties. These are also its modalities.

Bryonia is prepared from root, which is fleshy, yellowish white in color, rough with acidic and bitter taste.
Bryonia patient is also fleshy, with yellowish white coated tongue, rough irritating temperament and possessing
bitter taste in mouth.

76. Important Families and Drugs

Compositae
Arnica, Chamomilla, Cina, Artemisia vulgaris, Absinthium, Millifolium, Eup.perf, Taraxacum.
Ranunculaceae
Aconite, Helloborous, Clematis, Paeonia, Pulsatilla, Hydrastis, Staphysagria, Actea recemosa, Ranunculus bulbosa.
Liliaceae
Allium cepa, Allium sativum, Aloe socotrina, Colchicum, Convallaria, Sabadilla, Veratrum album.
Solanaceae
Belladonna, Hyoscyamus, Stramonium, Dulcamera.
Loganiaceae
Gelsemium, Nux vomica, Ignatia, Curare, Spigelia.
Cucurbitaceae
Colocynthis, Bryonia, Mamordica.
Anacardiaceae
Anacardium, Rhus tox.
Coniferae
Abis nigra, Sabina, Thuja, Terebinthina.
Rubiaceae
Cinchona, Ipecacuanha, Coffea.
Umbelliferae
Conium, Cicuta, Phellandrium, Petroselinum.
77. Gulta purcha bottles is used for the preservation of Acid flour.

24
78. 1 grain powder is equal to 65mg.
79. 1 ml equal to 17 drops (appro 17 minims).
80. Solubility means how much of a substance dissolves in a given solvent.
Descriptive Terms.
Relative quantities of solvent for 1part of solute.

Very soluble
Less than 1 part.

Freely soluble
From 1 to 10 parts

Soluble
From 10 to 30 parts

Sparingly soluble
From 30 to 100 parts

Slightly soluble
From 100 to 1000 parts

Very slightly soluble

From 1000 to 10000 parts

Practically insoluble
More than 10000
81. The degree of coarseness or fineness of a powder is differentiated and expressed by the size of the mesh of sieve
through which the powder is able to pass.
Coarse powder (10/44) a powder which all the particles pass through a no.10 sieve and not more than 40% through a
no.44 sieve.
Moderately coarse powder (22/60) a powder of which all the particles pass through a no.22 sieve and more than 40%
through a no.60 sieve.
Moderately fine powder (44/85) a powder of which all the particles pass through a no.44 sieve and more than 40%
through a no.85 sieve.
Fine powder (85) a powder of which all the particles pass through a no 85 sieve.
Very fine powder a powder of which all the particles pass through a silk sieve in which not less than 120 meshes are
included in a length of 2.54 cm in each transverse direction parallel to the threads.
Recognised Homoeopathic Pharmacopoeias

Homoeopathic Pharmacopoeias recognised by Drugs and Cosmetics Act:

lHomoeopathic Pharmacopoeia of India (HPI)

lBritish Homoeopathic Pharmacopoeia (BHP)

lHomoeopathic Pharmacopoeia of United States (HPUS)

lGerman Homoeopathic Pharmacopoeia (GHP)

French homoeopathic pharmacopoeia is not recognised, but it has valuable information on nosodes and
organotherapies (sarcodes)
Standardisation
Standardisation is a process to fix certain confirmity to acceptable standards.
To minimise variation due to individual, group or commercial houses influence, the government or other statutory
bodies notify the acceptable standards.
As a result the pharmacopoeia that is followed have details like:

Genera & species

Synonym & common names

Description & data about percentage of active ingredient / TLC / chemical identification tests

Macroscopic and microscopic details

Methods of preparation / formulation / 2x & higher methods

Minimum potency permitted for prescribing in case of toxic substances

Storage condition

Supplementary but essential standards

25

Ash values
Extractive values
Saponification values
Reaction (pH) of known strength solution
Foreign matters
Moulds, fungus, bacterial, pesticide residue TLC Rf values
Tincture, odour, taste, colour & dry residue

Sources of homoeopathic drugs

Sources
Nosodes methods of preparation
N1 for the lysate of bacteria producing endotoxins (e.g.. Typhoid, paratyphoid, e.coli)
N2 for bacteria producing exotoxins (e.g.. dphtheria)
N3 for pure organisms (e.g. tuberculinum pure culture)
N4 for preparations from tissues (e.g. psorinum, bacillinum)
Homoeopathic drug proving (HPI Volume 1)

Controlled experiment

On relatively healthy volunteers

Substances should be prepared as per general methodology mentioned in the pharmacopoeia

Experiments should be in varying doses to produce the data called proving

On the scheme and pattern to constitute Materia Medica Provings are the basis of Materia Medica

Experiments should be carried only to extent of causing gross temporary reversible alterations and sense

perceptible objective signs.

Unique characteristics of homoeopathic drug standards
The raw material should be same as used in the proving.
Method of preparation should be one adopted by the prover.

This in turn means:

Go for the correct species, adopt microscopic / histopathological studies.

Fix the percentage of active & limits for inactive constituents and aducterants.

Process has a bearing on the quality

Trituration
particle size 10 micron at 1x level

Tincture
fresh or dry plant
- size of cut or fineness of the powdered material percolator packing
- percentage of extraction solvent rate of percolation time of maceration
Triturations

tablets

Insoluble basic drug materials (1:10 or 1:100) with lactose

Triturated by hand or machine. Particle size of the basic drug material in the final decimal or centesimal dilution has to
be below 10 m for 80%; no drug particle should be more than 50 m.
Trituration time: Minimum 1 hour.
One third of the lactose is given into the mortar, then the basic material is added; finally the remaining vehicle in two
equal portions is added and triturated.

26
Triturations / tablets

contd

For tabletting permitted excipients are only starch concentrated up to 10 percent and magnesium stearate in
concentrations up to 2 percent

Granulation if necessary has to be done with saturated lactose solution, starch paste or ethanol.

Tablets are single doses containing 250 mg of the trituration. The weight of excipients goes additional

Lowest potencies legal limits of prescription

Lowest potencies legal limits of prescription

All arsenic, barium, mercury and lead not below 3x

All nosodes not below 6x (3rd potency) for trading, not below 6th potency in practice

All snake, viper, spider, toad and insect poisons not below 3x (exceptions in India Blatta orientalis Q)

Phytochemicals (HCN glyc.) etc. not below 6x

Special storage conditions (up to 3x)

Acidum aceticum, nitricum, picrinicum and sulphuricum

lApis mellifica

lBromine

lCreasole

lGelsemium

lHydrastis

lIodium

lPhysostigma

lRauwolfia

lSecale cor.

lZincum aceticum
Stringent storage condition (up to 3x)

Arsenic

Acid fluric (hydrofluric)

Atropine sulph

Chininum ars.

Lachesis

Naja

Nitroglycerine

Merc. Iod. Flv.

Merc. Iod. Rub.

Phosphorus
Level of testing in homoeopathic drugs

Biochemic drugs
up to 6x; up to 12x by plasma

Triturations
up to 6x; up to 12x by plasma

Mother tinctures
up to 4x; up to 6x by HPLC

Mother tinctures
up to 2x in combinations

Combination drugs up to 2x

Ointments, hair oils, eye drops, etc.

Dilutions
up to 6x
Level of testing in homoeopathic drugs

Molecules are present at best up to level 12C or 24x

But clinical response is visible even above 24x in

human being

animals

Bacteria

Plants

27
lBiological response can be demonstrated on polygraph and other sensitive equipments used in experimental
pharmacology
No. of homoeopathic drugs covered by different materia medica & other literature large number is a problem for
pharmacopoeia
No. of homoeopathic drugs covered by different materia medica & other literature
Simplification has been done: Hahnemannian classification of mother tincture preparation
Quotation from HPI Vol II
The old Hanemannian method of preparation has been discarded in favour of a new uniform method with specific
drug strength which takes in to consideration the moisture content of the drug, thus eliminating the variation in
standards. This method (the new uniform method of preparation of tincture as mentioned in the General Instructions
for preparation in Homoeopathic Pharmacopoeia) is applicable to most* of the drugs and has been accepted by the
committee
*A few exceptions have been taken care in the individual monograph
On uniform drug strength
Materia Medica Pura Vol II pg 30 or Chronic Diseases pg 182
In order to make alcoholic medicinal substances of uniform strength and to obtain from them determinable dilution
follow.
BHP part I pg 11 & 12
In every substance the dry crude substance is to be taken as starting point for calculation of strength.
German Homoeopathic Pharmacopoeia
Changing face of German Homoeopathic Pharmacopoeia
German Homoeopathic Pharmacopoeia

contd

German Homoeopathic Pharmacopoeia

contd

French Homoeopathic Pharmacopoeia

Gemmotherapie (extraction in glycerine) 56
Organotherapie (parts of the body similar to sarcodes) 261
Lithotherapie (from crude minerals) 43
From

HPUS

In many homoeopathic texts the words potency and potentisation, dilution or solution are synonymous with
the terms attenuation or trituration the later terms, by decision of the Pharmacopoeia Convention, have become
the official designations, i.e., attenuation for liquids and trituration for solids. In plant products, plant moisture was
equated to purified water. Most of the mother tinctures were simplified to drug strength 1/10, exception those not
soluble like Iodine or those poisonous in nature like Arsenic where 1/100 is used.

28
Guidelines in evaluating the merit of a drug for inclusion in pharmacopoeia

lIt should be a published data

lIt should be a proved drug

lThe raw material should be commercially available of identifiable characters and of definite composition

lIt should have a demand to establish professional recognition

Other facts which are considered

lAbsence of abnormal toxicity

lNon addict forming in the dosage form

lStability of the product during production and storage