INTRODUCTION TO HOMEOPATHIC PHARMACOPOEIA

DEFINITION

          Pharmacopoeia is originated from two Greek words that PHARMAKON that means “a drug” and POIES that means “to make”.

It is the supreme authority’s book; published by the authority of Govt. of any country, which deals with the scientific facts and logical attitude of the rules and regulations of standardization of drug substances, containing general directions regarding identification, collection and preparation of homoeopathic drugs. It also contains standards for homoeopathic crude drugs, prepared medicines, vehicle apart from the standardization techniques used determine the same.

HISTORY AND DEVELOPMENT OF HOMOEOPATHIC PHARMACOPIEA

          In 1805 Hahnemann announced his new method of pharmacological process in his treatise. The basic principle of homoeopathic preparation of drugs and medicines are enshrined in different aphorism of ‘Organon of Medicine”, the Chronic Diseases and “Materia Medica Pura”. These have served as the authoritative books for different pharmacopoeias. Different Homoeopathic establishments and associations have published Pharmacopoeias.

TYPES OF PHARMACOPOEIA

There are two kinds of pharmacopoeia

a)     Official pharmacopoeia: Official pharmacopoeia is published by the authority of Govt. of any country.

·         German Homoeopathic Pharmacopoeia (G. H. P.)

·         British Homoeopathic Pharmacopoeia (B. H. P.)

·         U.S Homoeopathic Pharmacopoeia (U.S H. P.)

·         French Homoeopathic Pharmacopeia (F. H. P.)

·         Homoeopathic Pharmacopeia of India ( H. P.I.)

b)    Unofficial pharmacopoeia: Unofficial pharmacopoeia is published by the any person or pharmaceutical company other than the Govt.

·         M. Bhattacharya and Co. Homoeopathic pharmacopoeia.

·         Encyclopedia of Homoeopathic pharmacopoeia.

·         Brazilian Homoeopathic pharmacopoeia.

·         Pakistan Homoeopathic pharmacopoeia.

·         Maxican Homoeopathic pharmacopoeia.

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HOMOEOPATHIC PHARMACOPEIAS

                      

German Homoeopathic Pharmacopoeia (G. H. P.) – 1825

In 1825, the first homoeopathic pharmacopoeia “DISPENSATORIUM HOMOEOPATHICUM” was published by Dr. Carl. W. Caspari of  Leipzig Germany. It was the first idea of Homoeopathic Pharmacopiea for physician and pharmacist. Dr. Carl. W. Caspari is a father of Homoeopathic Pharmacopiea.

In 1872, Dr.Willmar Schwabe compiled a pharmacopoeia in title of “PHARMACOPOEIA HOMOEOPATHIC POLYGLOTICA”. It is considered to be an authoritative work. A new Homoeopathic pharmacopoeia is being prepared which is sponsored by the German federal government. The various edition of the German Homoeopathic Pharmacopoeia have undergone many changes, but they have always adhered strictly to Dr Samuel Hahnemann’s method of preparation of drugs.   

In the 1979 new edition I n GHP there was inclusion of new direction methods such as spectral analysis.

In the 2006 GHP edited by Stephen Benyunes and published in Jan 2006

                                                 

British Homoeopathic Pharmacopoeia (B. H. P.) – 1870

In 1870, the first edition was published by British Homoeopathic Society in London. In 1876 the Second edition was published by British Homoeopathic Society in London.In 1882 the third edition was published by British Homoeopathic Society in London. But as the society did not have recognition of the Royal Charter, so that it was not treated as the official pharmacopoeia in the Great Britain. Due to the merits and worth of the pharmacopoeia work, it was accepted by Homoeopaths around the world.   

U.S Homoeopathic Pharmacopoeia (U.S H. P.) – 1897

In 1897, the first Homoeopathic pharmacopoeia published in United States as “PHARMACOPOEIA OF THE AMERICAN INSTITUTE OF HOMOEOPATHY” authored by Otis Clap and sons ,Boston USA.

In 1901 the 2^nd Edition was published and the title was changed to Homoeopathic pharmacopoeia of United States.

French Homoeopathic Pharmacopeia (F. H. P.) -1898      

French Homoeopathic Pharmacopoeia is called   “PHARMACOPOEIA HOMOEOPATHIQUE FRANCAISE” Acceptance of homoeopathy in France is very high. It has its own pharmacopoeia and a prescribing trend which is different from other countries. It has many new drugs in categories of nosodes, organs, tissues, biochemical, organo chemical, minerals in addition to the normal range of homoeopathic medicine.   

In India, France pharmacopoeia is not recognized but physician do believe in the new kind of drugs which are introduced in France. F.H.P adopted Hahnemannian principle.

Homoeopathic Pharmacopeia of India ( H. P.I.) – 1971

In 1962 (Sep) the Homoeopathic Pharmacopoeia committee was appointed by the central Government under the chairmanship of Dr B.K. Sarkar.

In 1971 the First official Homoeopathic Pharmacopoeia was published by Government under the chairmanship of Dr B.K. Sarkar,    and then Homoeopathic pharmacopoeias are published by Central Govt. The publication year, volumes, Number of monographs and revised monographs can be seen in Table.   

VOLUME AND PUBLICATION OF PHARMACOPOEIA

Vol	Year of Publication	Number of monographs	Revised monographs
I	1971	180	-
II	1974	100	-
III	1978	105	-
IV	1984	107	2
V	1987	114	1
VI	1990	104	-
VII	1999	105	33
VIII	2000	101	29
IX	2006	100	28
X	2013	101	81

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HOMOEOPATHIC PHARMACOPEIAS

M. Bhattacharya and Co.

Homoeopathic pharmacopoeia.-1982

In 1993 the first unofficial pharmacopoeia was published in title of “PHARMACEUTICS MANUAL” by M. Bhattacharya & co, since then it has run in to several editions.

In 1940 the Central government has passed the DRUG AND COSMETIC ACT-1940, Before the Publication of Homoeopathic Pharmacopoeia of India we used to follow the American Homoeopathic Pharmacopoeia.

In 1944 the tenth Edition of “Pharmaceutics Manual” was published incorporated about 70 important Indian Drugs.

In 1956 Homoeopathic advisory committee recommended formation of homoeopathic pharmacopeia committee.

In 1962 (July) the twelfth edition was published under the title of “M. BHATTACHARYA & CO’S HOMOEOPATHIC PHARMACOPOEIA”.

Encyclopedia of Homoeopathic pharmacopoeia-1997

This pharmacopoeia is published by B.jain Publishers India edited by Dr. P.N.Verma and Indu Vaid , Its comprises  in three volume based on HPI.

U.S Homoeopathic Pharmacopoeia (U.S H. P.) – 1897

In 1882, Boericke and Tafel of New York compiled and published the American Homoeopathic Pharmacopoeia (AHP). It has 10 editions, several homoeopathic pharmacist used to follow AHP Instructions in past.  

Brazilian Homoeopathic pharmacopoeia-1976

In 1976 the first homoeopathic pharmacopoeia of brazil was published, publishers is unknown pharmacopoeia is called as FHB.

Pakistan Homoeopathic pharmacopoeia-1978.

In 1978 the first homoeopathic pharmacopoeia of Pakistan was published in Lahore by Board of Homoeopathic system of Medicine and second edition was published in 1997.

Mexican Homoeopathic pharmacopoeia-1998.

In 1998 the first homoeopathic pharmacopoeia of Mexico was published in 1998 in spanish.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES

OF HOMOEOPATHIC PHARMACOPOEIA OF INDIA

1.     To prepare pharmacopeia of homoeopathic drugs, on the lines of USHP, GHP, BHP.

2.     To lay down principles and standards for preparation of homoeopathic drugs.

3.     To lay down tests for identity, quality, purity and such other matters necessary   for preparation of homoeopathic pharmacopeia.

SALIENT FEATURES:

·        Both old (Hahnemann classical) method and the new methods of the drug preparation have been incorporated in the first volume of HPI.

·        Homoeopathic pharmacopeia recognized by the drug & cosmetic act.

·        French homeopathic pharmacopeia

is not a recognized pharmacopeia but it has valuable information on nosodes and sarcodes.

·        The old Hahnemann method of has been discarded in favor of new uniform method with specific drug strength which takes into consideration the moisture content of the drug, thus eliminating variation in standard. This method is applicable to most of the drugs and has been accepted by the homoeopathic pharmacopoeia committee.

·        During compilation the following pharmacopoeias were consulted:

1.     IP (Indian Pharmacopoeia)

2.     USHP (US. Pharmacopoeia)

3.     BHP (British Pharmacopoeia)

4.     GHP(Germen Pharmacopeia)

·     Latin names of drugs used and synonyms Hindi, English, French, and German used

·     Metric system of weights and measures employed and all measurements are made at 250 degree C.

·     Pharmacopeia has the following  details:

1.     Genus & Species.

2.     Synonym & common name.

3.     Description & data about % of active ingredients/ TLC / Chemical identification tests.

4.     Macro & microscopic details.

5.     Methods of preparation / formulation / 2x and higher preparation methods / minimum potency permitted in prescribing in case of toxic materials.

·     Hahnemann observed that plant moisture is a part of a medicinal substance. Modern view –plant moisture constitutes as a vehicle and is not part of medicinal substance.

·     The unit of medicinal strength is 1/10^th in modern method because dried drug is taken as the unit to contain one gram of drug in 10 ml of tincture

CONTENTS OF DIFFERENT VOLUMES OF HOMOEOPATHIC PHARMACOPEIA OF INDIA.

HOMOEOPATHIC PHARMACOPEIA OF INDIA FIRST VOLUME

·        General instructions

·        Methods of procuring medicinal substances

Preparation of

·        Mother Solutions

·        Mother tincture

Potentisation

·        Decimal, Centesimal, LM scales.

·        Trituration

·        Conversion of liquid potencies

External application

Appendix

·        Melting range/ boiling range/ ph/ refractive index

·        Limit tests for heavy metals

·        Determination of ash, residue on ignition, water sol ash

·        Moisture content estimation

·        Determination of alcohol soluble extractive, water soluble ex. Total       solids

·        Determination of alcohol

·        Standards of vehicle

·        Powder and sieves standards

·        Saponification, iodine, acid values

HOMOEOPATHIC PHARMACOPEIA OF INDIA SECOND VOLUME

·        Modification of general notice regarding methods of procurement of medicinal substances.

·        It is recommended to triturate insoluble substances upto 6X in decimal before conversion to liquid potency.

·        Maceration / percolation / Potentisation / conversion of Trituration to liquid potency described with slight modification.

·        The old Hahnemannian method of preparation has been discarded in favor of a new uniform method with specific drug strength which takes into consideration the moisture content of the drug, thus eliminating the variation in standards. This method (the new uniform methods of preparation of tincture as mentioned in the general instructions for preparation of the homoeopathic pharmacopeia) is applicable to most of the drugs and has been accepted by the committee.

·        A few exceptions have been taken care in the individual monograph.

·        Palisade ratio/ stomatal no/ stomatal index/ vein islet no/ vein termination no/ type of stomata mentioned.

HOMOEOPATHIC PHARMACOPEIA OF INDIA THIRD VOLUME

·        Ethanol content of same drugs belonging to volume l, II and III mentioned.

HOMOEOPATHIC PHARMACOPEIA OF INDIA FOURTH VOLUME

·        Chromatography mentioned.

·        Standards for nosodes mentioned.

·        N 1 for the lysate of the bacteria producing endotoxins (e.g. typhoid, paratyphoid, E. coli)

·        N 2 for bacteria for exotoxins (e.g. diphtheria)

·        N 3 for pure organisms (e.g. tubercullinum pure culture).

·        N 4 preparation for tissues (e.g. psorinum, bacillinum).

HOMOEOPATHIC PHARMACOPEIA OF INDIA FIFTH VOLUME

·        Standard for globules, tablets, sucrose mentioned.

·        TLC of mother tincture

·        Standard for ointments and syrups.

·        Limitation of alcohol in mother tincture.

HOMOEOPATHIC PHARMACOPEIA OF INDIA SIXTH VOLUME

·        Standard for finished products of 159 drugs and the vernacular names of all the earlier monographs which were covered under HPI.

HOMOEOPATHIC PHARMACOPEIA OF INDIA SEVENTH VOLUME

·        Tests for sterility for detecting the presence for viable forms of bacteria, fungi and yeast in pharmacopeia preparation.

·        Determination of lambda max by u-v spectrophotometer.

·        TLC.

·        Bacillus no.7 pertussin, scarletinum mentioned.

HOMOEOPATHIC PHARMACOPEIA OF INDIA EIGHTH VOLUME

·        Finished products standard belonging to volume 8 are 104 nos.

HOMOEOPATHIC PHARMACOPEIA OF INDIA NINTH VOLUME

·        Test for steroids.

HOMOEOPATHIC PHARMACOPEIA OF INDIA TENTH VOLUME-

It is similar to the Volume I to IX. Except revised monograph's nothing are different from others volume of Homoeopathic Pharmacopoeia of India. 

Questions:

1.     Define Pharmacopoeia?

2.     What are the different types of pharmacopoeia?

3.     Write about the official pharmacopoeia and year of Publications?

4.     Describe Homoeopathic Pharmacopoeia of India?

5.     Make a table of Homoeopathic Pharmacopoeia of India with volumes, Monographs, and year of Publication?

6.     Write about the official pharmacopoeia and year of Publications?

7.     Describe about the silent features of Homoeopathic Pharmacopoeia?

8.     Write about Aims and Objectives of Homoeopathic Pharmacopoeia?