Glycerite

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Glycerin_suppositories

Glycerite represents a fluid extract of a medicinal substance, predominantly formulated using glycerin as the chief solvent. Serving as an alternative to alcohol-based tinctures, glycerites offer a sweeter, non-alcoholic extraction medium, making them suitable for children and individuals who avoid alcohol. As with tinctures, the active components of the herb or medicinal substance are infused into the glycerin, which acts as a preservative while maintaining the herb's properties.

Definition and Nomenclature

The term "glycerite" traces back to various pharmacopoeias and medicinal guides. Notably, King's American Dispensatory (1898) elucidated glycerite as:

"Glycerita.—Glycerites. This class of preparations predominantly refers to solutions of medicinal agents dissolved in glycerin. While several terms like "glyceroles," "glycerates," and "glycemates" have been employed, the designation "Glycerita" stands out as the most apt for such fluid glycerin-based solutions, irrespective of their intended use—either internal or topical.".

Types of Glycerin Used

Glycerites can be crafted using:

• Vegetable source glycerin: Typically derived from plant oils, especially coconut, soy, or palm oil.
• Animal source glycerin: Obtained from animal fats.

The choice of glycerin type largely hinges upon the intended use of the glycerite:

• In the domain of liquid herbal products, a subset of the dietary supplements industry, the convention is to deploy vegetable glycerin exclusively.
• On the other hand, nutraceuticals—another sector within the dietary supplements landscape—may incorporate a mix of both vegetable-derived and animal-derived glycerin.

Advantages of Glycerites

• Alcohol-free: Suitable for individuals who are sensitive to or abstain from alcohol.
• Pleasant taste: The inherent sweetness of glycerin renders glycerites more palatable, especially for children.
• Stability: Glycerin acts as a natural preservative, enhancing the shelf life of the preparation.

Applications

Traditionally, glycerites have found applications in:

• Medicinal syrups: Owing to their agreeable taste and texture.
• Topical preparations: Including creams, lotions, and balms.
• Homeopathic remedies: As a non-alcoholic solvent for active ingredients.

See Also

• Tincture
• Herbal extracts
• Pharmacopoeia
• Nutraceuticals
• Dietary supplements

Glycerite Resources
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