Spirits in Pharmacology

Spirits (Solutions containing mixed solvent system)

• Spirits are solutions of volatile substances in alcohol.
• The volatile substance is usually a volatile oil.
• The contents in spirits are more concentrated than in aromatic water.
• Spirits are alcoholic or hydro-alcoholic solutions.
• These solutions are prepared by simple solution or by mixing ingredients.
• Alcoholic concentration is typically over 60%.
• Spirits are used as flavoring agents and may have medicinal value.

Uses of Spirits

• Used as flavoring agents.
• Used medicinally for the therapeutic value of the aromatic solute.
• Can be taken orally (e.g., Aromatic Ammonia spirit), often mixed with water to reduce pungency.
• Can be applied externally (e.g., Camphor spirit).
• Can be used via inhalation.

Preparation of Spirits

• Preparation methods depend on the materials:
  • Simple solution
  • Maceration
  • Distillation
• Water is avoided during preparation to prevent precipitation of insoluble volatile oils (unless specifically mentioned in the formula).
• Equipment should be dry.
• Filter paper should be moistened with alcohol (minimum 60% alcohol).

Official Spirits

• Aromatic ammonia spirit NF
• Camphor spirit NF
• Compound orange spirit USP
• Peppermint spirit NF

Aromatic Ammonia Spirit NF (Rx)

• Solution of ammonia and ammonium carbonate in alcohol and distilled water.
• Perfumed with lemon, lavender, and nutmeg oils.
• Contains the lowest percentage of alcohol (62-68%).
• Acts as a carminative (due to volatile oils), antacid, and mild reflex circulatory stimulant (used for fainting).
• Forms a milky preparation upon dilution with water due to oils.
• Typically colorless, but may turn pale amber upon standing (due to oxidation of oils).

Camphor Spirit NF

• Also known as tincture of camphor.
• Contains the highest percentage of alcohol (80-87%).
• Simple solution of 10% camphor in alcohol.
• Used externally and internally.
• Applied to cold sores.
• Acts as a mild reflex circulatory stimulant.
• Acts as a mild expectorant.

Compound Orange Spirit USP

• Primarily used as a flavoring agent.
• Blend of several oils.
• Readily prepared by simple solution.
• Important ingredient of aromatic elixir.

Peppermint Spirit NF

• Used as a carminative and flavoring agent.
• Leaves are macerated in water to remove tannins, xanthophyll, and water-soluble principles.
• The water is discarded, and the leaves are macerated in alcohol to dissolve the chlorophyll (green pigment).
• 10% volatile oil is added to the alcoholic solution.
• Leaves themselves don't provide medicinal action; the medicinal properties come from the added volatile oil.
• Many commercial products are colorless but have the same therapeutic value as those that conform to NF specifications (requiring the green color).

Differences between Spirits and Elixirs

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