- Aim: To Prepare, Evaluate and Submit Castor Oil Emulsion
- Requirements:
- Chemicals: Castor Oil, Gum Acacia, Water
• Apparatus: Mortar Pestle, Beaker, Measuring Cylinder, Spatula and Glass Rod
● Theory:
An emulsion consists of two phases, one of which is finely divided and dispersed in the continuous phase. The system is stabilized by the presence of a third substance known as the emulsifying agent. In this preparation acacia is used as emulsifying agent, water as dispersion medium and castor oil as a disperse phase. Castor oil emulsion is prepared by wet gum method, in which a primary emulsion is prepared in the ratio of 4:2:1 (fixed oil : water gum acacia). Castor oil is fixed oil.
• Procedure:
- Weigh all ingredients accurately.
- Select a sample-sized mortar and a suitable pestle. 3. Place gum acacia in the mortar.
- Measure 20 ml of water and add it to the mortar with trituration to form mucilage.
- Add castor oil gradually to the mucilage in the mortar with continuous trituration in one direction until the mixture becomes thicker and the primary emulsion is formed.
- Dilute the primary emulsion with 30 ml of water with continuous trituration.
- Transfer to a measuring cylinder and wash the mortar with water. Add this part to the Cylinder.
- Adjust the volume with remaining water.
- Transfer to a suitable container and label.
- Category: Laxative / Purgative
• Storage: Stored in tightly closed container in a cool place.
- Direction: Take on an empty stomach, followed with one full glass of water.
- Precautions:
O Avoid use if hypersensitivity, GI obstruction, ulcerative colitis.
O Avoid in pregnancy as it can induce premature labour.
O Take this medication on an empty stomach.
- Definitions:
O Purgative: Purgatives are the drugs which relieve constipation and promote the defecation.
O Emulsifying agent: Emulsifying agents are the third substance or agent which produce the film at the interface between two immiscible liquids and stabilized the system, those agents are called emulsifying agent or emulsifier or emulgent.
O Vehicle: Vehicles or solvents are the medium in which ingredients of a formulation are dissolved, suspended or dispersed.
