TERPIN MONOHYDRATE

Toxicity

Overdose can cause nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain.

Chemical properties

Colorless, lustrous, rhombic, crystalline prisms or white powder; slight characteristic odor; slightly bitter taste. Efflorescent. Soluble in alcohol and ether; slightly soluble in water. Combustible.

The Uses of TERPIN MONOHYDRATE

Used in screening of essential oil from Artemisia scoparia leaves for free radical scavenging activity

The Uses of TERPIN MONOHYDRATE

Pharmaceuticals, source of terpineol, medicine (expectorant).

Indications

Terpin hydrate is used in the treatment of acute and chronic bronchitis, pneumonia, bronchiectasis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, infectious and inflammatory diseases of the upper respiratory tract.

Background

Terpin hydrate is an expectorant, commonly used to loosen mucus and ease congestion in patients presenting with acute or chronic bronchitis, and related pulmonary conditions. It is derived from sources such as turpentine, oregano, thyme and eucalyptus. It was popular in the United States since the late nineteenth century, but was removed from marketed medications in the 1990s after FDA stated that "based on evidence currently available, there are inadequate data to establish general recognition of the safety and effectiveness of these ingredients". Elixirs of terpin hydrate are still available to patients as prescription medications to be prepared by specialty compounding pharmacies.

Pharmacokinetics

It acts to facilitate the removal of mucus from the respiratory tract. It prevents the exacerbation of excessive mucus production and secretion due to airway bacterial or viral infections, asthma or chronic bronchitis. Expectorants like terpin hydrate change mucus consistency and make coughing more productive.

Synthesis

Terpin monohydrate is prepared from alpha-Pinene or Turpentine oil by treatment with dilute sulfuric acid. It has also been manufactured in the U.S.A. from Pine Oil by acid treatment.

Metabolism

Not Available

Purification Methods

Crystallise terpin from H2O or EtOH. The anhydrous cis-isomer distils at 258o/760mm but hydrates on exposure to moist air. Anhydrous terpin is also obtained by recrystallisation from absolute EtOH. [Sword J Chem Soc 127 1632 1925, Lombard & Ambrose Bull Soc Chim Fr 230 1961, Beilstein 5 IV 435.]