Active ingredient

Active ingredient refers to the component of a pharmaceutical drug or pesticide that is biologically active. The term is also used in herbal medicine, perfumery, and skin care products. The active ingredient is primarily responsible for the intended effects of the product.

Pharmaceutical drugs

In pharmaceutical drugs, the active ingredient is the chemical compound that has a therapeutic effect on the body. It is also known as the drug substance. The active ingredient is combined with excipients, which are inactive substances that serve as a vehicle for delivering the active ingredient to the body.

Pesticides

In pesticides, the active ingredient is the substance that is intended to prevent, destroy, repel, or mitigate any pest. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulates the use of pesticides in the United States, including the approval of active ingredients.

Herbal medicine

In herbal medicine, the active ingredient is the component of the plant or herb that has medicinal properties. This can be a specific chemical compound or a combination of compounds.

Perfumery

In perfumery, the active ingredient is the substance that produces the desired fragrance. This can be a single compound or a blend of several compounds.

Skin care products

In skin care products, the active ingredient is the substance that is intended to have a therapeutic effect on the skin. This can include ingredients that moisturize, exfoliate, protect from sun damage, or treat specific skin conditions.

See also

• Drug discovery
• Drug development
• Pharmacology
• Toxicology

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