1. Anti-tussives
Vasaka
PH103.38

2. DEPARTMENT OF TECHNICAL EDUCATION
ANDHRA PRADESH
Name : R.D.L.P.Christian
Designation : Lecturer in pharmacy
Branch : Pharmacy
Institute : GPW, Srikakulam(088)
Year : I year
Subject : Pharmacognosy
Subject Code : PH-103
Topic : Anti-tussives
Sub-Topic : Vasaka
Duration : 50 min.
Teaching Aids : PPT, Photographs
PH103.38

3. The Anti-hypertensive drug RAUWOLFIA
Recap
In the last class we learnt about
The Anti-hypertensive drug RAUWOLFIA
Rauwolfia contains alkaloids
the clinically most important alkaloid is Reserpine
PH103.38

4. OBJECTIVES On completion of this lesson, you would be able to
learn about
The monograph of the Antistussive drug – VASAKA
PH103.38

5. Known to Unknown Have you come across cough during cold seasons?
Do you know about the drug Vasaka?
Can you tell one cough syrup which contain Vasaka?
PH103.38

6. Antitussives - Definition
Agents used in the symptomatic control of Cough
Depress the cough centre present in the medulla
Also termed as Anodyne, cough suppressants and Centrally acting Anti-tussives
PH103.38

7. VASAKA Syn: Arusha (Hindi) Addasaramu (Telugu)
Biological Source :
Consists of fresh or
dried leaves of
Adhatoda vasica
Family : Acanthaceae
Geographical Source :
India, Burma,
Myanmar, Sri Lanka
Fig.38.1 Vasaka twig
PH103.38

8. Collection And Cultivation
Green shrub grows in loamy soil
Reaches a height of 3 to 8 ft.
Easily propagated by stem cutting and seed germination
Obtained in all seasons of the year
PH103.38

9. Morphological Characters
LEAF
Size : Length 12-20cm width cm
Shape : Ovate - lanceolate
Margin : Entire or slightly crenate
Venation : Pinnate
Apex : Acuminate
Base : Tapering
Fig.38.2 Vasaka twig
PH103.38

10. Morphological Characters
LEAF
Surface : Glabrous, slightly pubescent
Petiole : 2-8cm long, grooved
Colour : Light green
Odour : characteristic
Taste : Bitter
Fig.38.3 Vasaka twig
PH103.38

11. Chemical Constituents
Vasaka contains Quinazoline alkaloids
Main alkaloids are Vasicine, Vasicinone,
6-hydroxy Vasicine
Leaves contain Volatile oil, Betain & Vasakin
PH103.38

12. Uses Used as an Expectorant & Bronchodilator
Also used as Sedative, Antispasmodic
and Anthelmentic
Vasicine shows Oxytocic and Abortificient action
Leaf extract cures Diarrhoea, Dysentery
PH103.38

13. Summary In this class we learnt about Vasaka is an antitussive drug
Vasaka contains Quinazoline alkaloids
Vasicine, Vasicinone etc.,
Expectorant and Bronchodilator activity
PH103.38

14. Quiz 1. Antitussive agents are active against a) Chest pain b) Ulcer
c) Cough
d) Hypertension
PH103.38

15. Quiz 2. The active constituents of Vasaka are a) Quinazoline alkaloids
b) Indole alkaloids
c) Tropane alkaloids
d) None of the above
PH103.38

16. Frequently Asked Questions
Define antitussive. Give examples of the antitussive drugs with the Botanical sources
Mention the Botanical Source and Morphology of Vasaka
Write the Chemical constituents and uses of Vasaka
PH103.38

17. THANK YOU
PH103.38