Calendula and St. John's wort preparations
Calendula officinalis (pot marigold) Preparations based on calendula flowers are distinguished by a rich complex of pharmacological effects. In addition to pronounced antiseptic and bactericidal action (with specific activity against trichomonads), they accelerate wound healing, suppress inflammation, and also exert choleretic, sedative, and cardiotonic action.
Methods of administration depend on the pathology:
- Topically (infusions and tinctures): in dentistry, used for rinses in periodontal disease, gingivitis, and severe gum bleeding. In ENT practice — for tonsillitis and pharyngitis/angina. In gynecology, tinctures are used for douches in trichomonal colpitis and cervical erosion.
- Externally (ointments): in surgery and traumatology for the treatment of furunculosis, burns, cuts, bruises, and minor wounds.
- Internally (extracts, tablets): in gastroenterology for gastric ulcer and duodenal ulcer, gastritis, enterocolitis, as well as a choleretic agent in biliary tract diseases.
Novoimanin The source of this drug is Hypericum perforatum (St. John's wort). Novoimanin possesses antimicrobial action directed predominantly against gram-positive bacteria and effectively relieves inflammation. In purulent surgery, it is prescribed for the treatment of abscesses, phlegmon, pyoderma, infected wounds, trophic ulcers, and burns. In ENT practice, it is indicated for rhinitis, pharyngitis, sinusitis, and otitis media. The main side effect is the risk of developing allergic reactions.
Eucalyptus-based agents
Eucalyptus leaves are a powerful source of antiseptics that destroy gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria, fungi, and protozoa (amoebae, trichomonads). The complex of effects includes pronounced antiseptic, expectorant, anti-inflammatory, and mild sedative action.
- Infusions and tinctures: universal dosage forms. Externally (in the form of rinses), they treat stomatitis, gingivitis, and angina. Inhalation is used for acute respiratory diseases and respiratory tract lesions (tracheitis, laryngitis). Locally (lotions, wet tampons), they are used for purulent-inflammatory skin lesions (carbuncles, phlegmon, furuncles), trophic ulcers, burns, and frostbite. In gynecology, douches are prescribed for vaginitis, colpitis, and cervical ulcers.
- Chlorophyllipt (Chlorophyllipt): represents a mixture of chlorophylls isolated from eucalyptus leaves. The drug possesses antibacterial activity and stimulates regenerative processes. Locally, it is used to lubricate burns, trophic ulcers, and cervical erosions, and is used for dental diseases (stomatis, periodontitis). When taken internally, it exerts a systemic effect: it possesses specific activity in staphylococcal intestinal infections, pyelonephritis, and cholecystitis.
- Eucalimin (Eucalimin): is produced in the form of an alcoholic solution. The active substance is the sum of aldehydophenolic compounds from Eucalyptus viminalis (or E. globulus/esculenta). It exerts antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and mild fungistatic (fungus-suppressing) action.
Macleaya alkaloids
The drug Sanguiritrin (Sanguiritrin) is obtained from plant raw materials — Macleaya cordata and Macleaya microcarpa. By chemical structure, it is the sum of alkaloid bisulfates (sanguinarine and chelerythrine).
The spectrum of antimicrobial activity of the drug includes:
- Gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria.
- Fungi (dermatophytes and yeast-like fungi of the genus Candida).
Due to such a broad coverage, sanguiritrin has found clinical application in the treatment of diseases of mixed etiology, when purulent-inflammatory processes occur jointly with fungal lesions.
To memorize the spectrum of action of eucalyptus: "Eucalyptus strikes on all fronts — BFP" (Bacteria, Fungi, Protozoa).
Class and exam questions
Which herbal antiseptic possesses specific activity against staphylococcal intestinal infections?
Chlorophyllipt. When taken internally, it exerts a systemic effect and is highly effective in staphylococcal intestinal lesions, as well as in cholecystitis and pyelonephritis.
What is the peculiarity of the spectrum of action of sanguiritrin?
Sanguiritrin is active not only against gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria, but also against fungi (dermatophytes and Candida genus). This makes it the drug of choice for infections of mixed etiology.
Which preparations from plant raw materials are effective against trichomonads?
A pronounced bactericidal action against trichomonads is exhibited by preparations of Calendula officinalis (used in trichomonal colpitis) and agents based on eucalyptus leaves.
From which plant is Novoimanin obtained and where is it used?
Novoimanin is obtained from Hypericum perforatum. It is used in purulent surgery (abscesses, burns, trophic ulcers) and ENT practice (otitis media, sinusitis) due to its high activity against gram-positive bacteria.
What else to study on this topic
- Mechanisms of the regenerative action of chlorophyllipt in burns and trophic ulcers
- Pharmacokinetics of herbal antiseptics with systemic administration (internal intake)
- Comparative characteristics of the antibacterial activity of novoimanin and eucalimin
- Application of herbal antiseptics in dental practice and periodontology
- Chemical structure and properties of Macleaya alkaloids (sanguinarine and chelerythrine)
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