Chemistry and Biochemistry Academy

A diagram below outlines the steps for development of a new drug. 

Key: E.L-Essence layer F.W- Flora water Process Explanation Flow diagram shows how one can distil essence or essential oil plants’ materials. In the diagram, water is heated to boiling point which in turn heats the plant materials to vaporize active ingredients in them. Water vapor that carries active components of plants’ materials is made to pass through a cooling circuit. Distilled liquid is then steeped where it separates into two layers (fractions):          Flora water           Essence/essential oil Essential oil/essence occurs on upper layer because it is insoluble in water and less dense than flora water. In some circumstances, a small amount of essential exists in flora water. The extracted essence and flora water can be applied in various industrial processes such as in perfumery, cosmetics, and production of soaps etc.

In the human body, phenacetin is metabolized into two compounds, a minor (hydroxamic acid) product and a major product (paracetamol). One of the processes encompasses the replacing ethyl group (CH3CH2-) with a hydrogen atom (H) at carbon number four. The other process involves removal of hydrogen from a nitrogen atom and then replacing it with a hydroxyl group (OH-). The first process results in the formation of paracetamol while the second process leads to the formation of hydroxamic acid. It is believed that hydroxamic acid contributes to the toxicity of phenacetin since it binds strongly to metal ions. The following figure shows what takes place during the phenacetin metabolism process.

Peptic ulcers are wounds that occur in the human lower throat (oesophagus), intestine and stomach. Peptic ulcers are often caused by Helicobacter pylori bacteria. Stomach ulcer common signs are upper abdominal pains, belching, weight loss, poor appetite, and vomiting.  The abdominal pain is always characterized by a dull ache. Some types of foods exacerbate peptic ulcers’ condition while others aid in its healing process. Therefore, people who are suffering from stomach ulcers should strictly follow their diets. The following foods help peptic ulcers’ healing process.  Whole grains Whole grains comprise of low fat and sugar but high fibre which speeds up the ulcer healing process. Whole grains also contain zinc that aid in body’s healing process. Foods that are high in fat spend a lot of time in the stomach, this trigger voluminous production of hydrochloric acid that worsens peptic ulcer conditions. Fruits and vegetables Fruits and vegetables l...

Introduction Paracetamol is a medicine commonly used as a mild painkiller. It also reduces body temperatures of individuals with fever. Hence, paracetamol has both analgesic and antipyretic properties. How paracetamol was discovered In the 1880s, at the University of Strassburg in the Department of  Internal Medicine , Professor Kussmaul requested two assistants to give patients naphthalene for internal worm treatments. They found that naphthalene had little effects on the internal infections. However, one of the patients reported a high reduction in body temperature. This observation prompted them to do a thorough investigation of the patient. The results of their investigation revealed that the patient was given acetanilide but not naphthalene as result of confusion at the pharmacy. The assistants speedily published the discovery of antipyretic property of  acetanilide . After their publication, acetanilide remained in production and use for several y...