GALENICALS IN MODERN MEDICINE: FOCUS ON SWEDISH BITTERS

Abstract

Galenicals were very popular in clinical medicine till late 1960s at which time the pharmaceutical industry revolutionized drug research and production. Almost four decades later, old but useful galenicals such as SWEDISH BITTERS® have been rediscovered and registered in conformity with Food and Drug Administration (FDA) guidelines. SWEDISH BITTERS® consists of ten herbs (one of which is compound) and purified camphor. It is used internally as a bitter stomachic and tonic and externally as a counter-irritant. The major chemical constituents in the tincture include mannitol, anthraquinones and monoterpenoids.


Key Words: SWEDISH BITTERS®, Galenicals, medicinal plants


Nig. J. Nat. Prod. And Med. Vol.1 1997: 6-9