1. Antitussives
Tolu balsam

2. Vasaka is an Antitussive drug
Recap
In the last class we learnt about
Vasaka is an Antitussive drug
Vasaka contains Quinazoline alkaloids
Vasicine, Vasicinone etc.,
Expectorant and Bronchodilator activity

3. OBJECTIVES On completion of this period you would be able to
learn about
The monograph of the Antitussive drug
TOLU BALSAM

4. Antitussives 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 Antitussives

5. Tolu Balsam Biological Source :
Resin obtained by incisions from the trunk of
Myroxylon balsamum
& Myroxylan toluifera
Family : Leguminosae
Geographical Source :
Native of Columbia
Abundant near the river Magdalena and
coast San Salvador
The name TOLU derived from the place near
Cartegena

6. Balsam Of Tolu: Myroxylan Balsamum
Fig.39.1 Tolu balsam tree, twig dried balsam and trunk

7. Morphological Characters
BALSAM
Nature : Soft, resinous, semi-solid mass
on standing turns brittle and dark
Color : Agreeable and fragrant
Taste : Aromatic, balsamic,
on chewing forms plastic mass
Solubility: Soluble in alcohol, acetone and
chloroform and partly soluble in
carbon disulphide
Fig.39.2 Twig

8. Standards Acid value : 100-160 Reaction : Alcoholic solution acidic to
litmus
Ester value : 40-95
Saponification value :
Loss on drying : Not more than 4%
Alcohol insoluble matter : Not more than 5%

9. Chemical Constituents
Major constituents:
Resin(80%): free Cinnamic acid
(contains) free Benzoic acid
Resin alcohols combined with acids
Toluresinotannol
Tolu balsam oil: composed of
Phellandrene
Benzyl benzoate
Benzyl cinnamate
Vanillin
Eugenol
Fig.39.3 Tolu balsam

10. Identification Tests 1. 90% alcoholic Solutionn + Fecl3 solution
Green colour
2. 1gm of Tolu balsam + 5ml water
Boil, filter add KMnO4 and heat
Odour of Benzaldehyde

11. Uses Used as Antiseptic, Stimulant and Expectorant
Ingredient of Cough mixtures, Tolu balsam
syrup and Tolu balsam tincture
Ethanolic extract has Antibacterial activity against Mycobacterium tuberculosis
Oil of Tolu balsam is used in perfumes, cosmetics, soaps and confectioneries

12. Summary In this class we discussed about
The plant drug TOLU BALSAM which can be used as an Antitussive agent
Tolu balsam mainly contain resinous substances
Having expectorant and anti-tussive activity

13. Quiz 1. The active constituents in Tolu balsam are a) Resins
b) Alkaloids
c) Saponins
d) Glycosides

14. Quiz 2. Tolu balsam belongs to the family a) Annonaceae b) Leguminosae
c) Rubiaceae
d) Apocyanaceae

15. Frequently Asked Questions
Write the Biological Source and Macroscopic characters of Tolu balsam
Mention the Chemical Constituents and Uses of Tolu balsam
Write the Botanical Source, Chemical Constituents and Uses of Tolu balsam

16. THANK YOU