ACTIVE SUBSTANCE Meaning and
Definition
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Active substance refers to a chemical component or compound that is primarily responsible for producing a desired therapeutic effect in a drug or medication. It is the pharmacologically active ingredient that is responsible for the desired biological or physiological response in the body.
Active substances are commonly found in pharmaceutical drugs, herbal remedies, or other therapeutic agents. These substances are carefully selected and formulated to treat specific medical conditions or alleviate symptoms associated with a disease or ailment. They can be derived from natural sources like plants, animals, or minerals, or they can be synthetically produced in a laboratory.
The active substance undergoes extensive testing and research to determine its safety, efficacy, and dosage requirements. It must be able to interact with specific molecular targets in the body, such as receptors or enzymes, to produce the desired therapeutic effect. The interaction between the active substance and the target molecules can lead to various pharmacological outcomes, including alleviating pain, reducing inflammation, boosting the immune system, or inhibiting the growth of infectious microorganisms.
In drug development, the active substance is typically combined with other inactive or inert components (known as excipients) to form the final dosage form, such as tablets, capsules, or injections. These excipients assist in the formulation, stability, and delivery of the active substance.
Overall, active substances play a crucial role in the development of effective drugs and therapeutic interventions by providing the necessary pharmacological effects required for treating various medical conditions.
Etymology of ACTIVE SUBSTANCE
The etymology of the word "active substance" can be traced back to both Latin and French.
The word "active" originates from the Latin word "activus", which means "causing motion or action". It is derived from the Latin verb "agere", meaning "to do" or "to act".
The word "substance" comes from the Latin word "substantia", which refers to the essential nature or being of something. It is derived from the Latin verb "substare", meaning "to stand firm or exist".
In French, the term "substance active" is used to refer to the active ingredient in a pharmaceutical or chemical compound. The French term follows the same etymological roots as the Latin words.
