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Created November 22, 2015 13:30
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Analyzing Antacids
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antacids.md

Contents

  1. Acknowledgement
  2. Abstract
  3. Background
    1. Gastric Acid and Hyper-acidity
    2. Antacids, $H_2$ Antagonists and Proton Pump Inhibitors
    3. Commercial Antacids
    4. Natural Antacids
  4. Methodology
    1. Requirements
    2. Procedure
  5. Results
    1. Commercial Antacids
    2. Natural Antacids
    3. Inference
  6. Limitations of the Analysis
  7. References

Acknowledgement

I, name, take this opportunity to thank our principal, in-charge, biology teacher and lab assistant who have provided us with proper guidance during the completion of our project.

I also thank my parents and group members for their coordination and support

Abstract

Hyper-acidity is a recurring problem in daily life. In this project work, we briefly discuss the causes and cures of hyper-acidity and experimentally assess the efficiency of a few common natural antacids and commercial antacids.

The results show that the neutralizing power of natural antacids like ginger is comparable to that of commercial antacids.

Background

Gastric Acid and Hyper-acidity

Gastric Acid is an important digestive fluid secreted in the stomach during the process of digestion. The Gastric acid mainly consists of hydrochloric acid, and a few other salts such as potassium chloride or sodium chloride.

The acid plays a major role in hydrolyzing proteins and polysaccharides, activating several enzymes and protecting the stomach against pathogens.

The typical pH of Gastric Acid is about 3 $^{[1]}$, and it's usual concentration is about 0.8 M $^{[2]}$. An event of hyper-acidity is considerable in case the concentrations rise above 1 M $^{[3]}$.

Common symptoms of hyper-acidity include heartburn, chest and stomach pains among others. It might also be a result of complications such as Peptic Ulcer or Gastric Cancer $^{[4]}$.

Antacids, $H_2$ Antagonists and Proton Pump Inhibitors

There are several natural and artificial substances available which could be potentially used to reduce conditions of hyper-acidity.

Antacids

The antacids are the simplest way to battle acidity. They are simply bases (or contain alkaline anions) which directly neutrilizes the gastric acid. Examples include Alka-Seltzer, Gelusil, etc.

We shall discuss these in farther detail as they are the main focus of our work.

$H_2$ Antagonists

This is a class of drugs that block the action of histamine on parietal cells (the $HCl$ secreting cells) of the stomach. Thus, this drug deals with hyper-acidity by supressing the secretion itself. Two of the common drugs from this category are Ranitidine and Cimetidine.

Proton Pump Inhibitors

The Proton Pump Inhibitors are the most potent acid secretion inhibitors. They achieve a similar effect as the $H_2$ antagonists, but in a different way, which is by blocking the gastric "proton pumps" of the gastric parietal cells. An example is omepazole.

Commercial Antacids

Digene

Digene is one of the most popular over the counter antacids in India. It was manufactured by Abbott India Limited.

Each tablet contains Dried Aluminum Hydroxide Gel, Magnesium Aluminum Silicate Hydrate, Magnesium Hydroxide, Simethicone and a few artificial coloring and flavoring agents for aesthetics.$^{[5]}$

The retail price of Digene tablets at the time of the project had been <cost> per <tablet>.

Gelusil

Gelusil is also another popular commercial antacid. It has been in circulation since 1939.

This product also contains Aluminum Hydroxide Gel, Magnesium Aluminum Silicate Hydrate, Magnesium Hydroxide and Simethicone.$^{[6]}$

The retail price of Gelusil tablets at the time of the project had been <cost> per <tablet>.

Polycrol

Polycrol is a renowned Indian brand of antacid by Piramal Enterprises, which has been in use for 40 years.

For the purpose of this project work, we use the liquid form of the product. It contains Activated dimethicone, Magnesium hydroxide and Aluminium Hydroxide Gel.$^{[11]}$

The retail price of the Polycrol mixture at the time of the project had been <cost> per <ml>.

Natural Antacids

Neem Bark

Neem (Azadirachta indica) has been known for its medicinal properties for over two millenia in India. The Indian Ayurveda was the first to bring the anthelmintic, antifungal, antibacterial, and antiviral properties of Neem into spotlight.

Traditional Indian knowledge, along with some supporting studies tell us that Neem bark extracts have antacid like effects.$^{[7]}$

Mint Leaves

Mint (Mentha sp.), commonly known as Pudina, is an important herb of medicinal value. The mint genus constitutes a number of fast-growing species thriving in lakes, rivers or moist patches of land. It is most well known for its application in food and beverages.

Mint leaves could be used as antacids or otherwise cure irritable bowel syndrome, stomach ache or chest pains due to the presence of menthol. Some recent studies support this claim.$^{[8]}$

Ginger

Ginger (Zingiber officinale), or its rhizome, is widely used as a spice as well as for medicinal purposes. Ginger is closely related with turmeric and cardamom, all of which are in the same genus.

Due to the presence of bioactive compounds such as Zingerone, Shogaol or Gingerol, ginger behaves as an efficient antacid.$^{[9]}$

Methodology

Requirements

Chemicals

  • Concentrated $HCl$ (12 N)
  • $NaOH$ Pellets
  • Phenolphthalein
  • Methyl Orange
  • Distilled Water

Apparatus

  • Burettes
  • Pipettes
  • Titration Flasks
  • Measuring Flasks
  • Beakers
  • Weighing Balance
  • Mortar and Pestle

Procedure

Preparation of Reagents

$NaOH$ Solution

  1. $\frac{1}{10}$ mole (40 grams) of $NaOH$ pellets are taken in a beaker.
  2. $1$ litre of distilled water is added to the beaker.
  3. The contents of the beaker are shaken till a clear solution is obtained.

The solution obtained is an $\frac{N}{10}$ solution of $NaOH$.

$HCl$ Solution

  1. 10 ml of concentrated (12 N) $HCl$ is taken in a beaker.
  2. It is diluted 12 times by adding 110 ml of water to it. This forms an 1 N solution.
  3. From the 1 N solution just prepared, 100 ml is taken and to it, 900 ml of water is further added, diluting it 10 times.

The solution obtained is an $\frac{N}{10}$ solution of $HCl$.

Preparation of the Reaction Mixtures

Preprocessing

Digene, Gelusil
  1. The tablets are (seperately) powdered and 1 g of each are weighed.
Polycrol
  1. 1 g of the liquid is precisely weighed and set aside.
Neem Bark, Mint Leaves, Ginger Rhizome
  1. The raw neem bark, mint leaves, and a tiny part of the ginger rhizome are finely grounded and to each of them, a small amount of water is added.
  2. The extracts formed are left overnight for soaking.
  3. 1g of each of the extracts are precisely weighed and taken.

Addition of Dilute $HCl$

  1. Each of the extracts prepared above are collected separately in different beakers.
  2. 50 ml of the prepared $HCl$ is added to each of them.
  3. The mixtures are heated for 1 minute, allowing for the maximum dissolution of suspended particles.
  4. Further 10 ml of $HCl$ is added to each of them.

Titration

For each of the samples, the following is done:

  1. The burette is cleaned appropriately, filling it with $NaOH$ and clamped to the stand.
  2. The reaction mixture is taken in the conical flask.
  3. A few drops of an appropriate indicator (Phenolphthalein for transparent mixtures and Methyl Orange for colored mixtures) are added.
  4. The amount of $NaOH$ that just changes the indicator color is precisely measured by means of titration.

Results

Commercial Antacids

Antacid Volume of HCl added Volume of NaOH required
Digene 60 ml
Gelusil 60 ml
Polycrol 60 ml 45 ml

Natural Antacids

Antacid Volume of HCl added Volume of NaOH required
Neem Bark 60 ml
Mint Leaves 60 ml
Ginger Rhizome 60 ml

Inference

The neutralizing capabilities of the antacids are in the following rank order: Digene, Gelusil, Ginger Rhizome, Neem Bark, Mint Leaves.

While commercial antacids are tailor made for the purpose, it is an interesting observation to notice that natural agents are nearly as effective and can be seriously considered for such purposes.

Limitations of the Analysis

  • The concentration of hydrochloric acid in the gastric acid under the conditions of hyper-acidity is not precisely known. Also, the presence of other substances in the stomach does interfere with the reaction.
  • It is not necessary that faster neutralizing means a better potential use as a cure. Drastic reactions inside the body may have other side effects. Uncontrolled alkalization of the stomach might instead trigger the production of even more acid.$^{[10]}$

References

  1. Marieb EN, Hoehn K (2010). Human anatomy & physiology. San Francisco: Benjamin Cummings. ISBN 0-8053-9591-1.
  2. http://www.vivo.colostate.edu/hbooks/pathphys/digestion/stomach/parietal.html
  3. https://au.answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20101020202744AAKRt2J
  4. http://blog.ziffi.com/280/acidity-causes-treatment-prevention-mujtaba-hussain/
  5. http://www.abbott.co.in/products-gastroenterology.html
  6. http://gelusil.com/about-gelusil/
  7. http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0024320504006873
  8. https://nccih.nih.gov/health/peppermintoil
  9. http://www.compoundchem.com/2014/11/27/ginger/
  10. Chemistry: Textbook for Class XII, N.C.E.R.T. ISBN 81-7450-716-7.
  11. http://www.piramalenterprises.com/otc/product/polycrol.html
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