SACCHARATED PEPSIN Meaning and
Definition
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Saccharated pepsin is a term used in pharmacology and medicine to refer to a formulation or preparation consisting of pepsin combined with a certain amount of sugar, usually sucrose. Pepsin, on the other hand, is a proteolytic enzyme produced in the stomach that aids in the breakdown of proteins into smaller peptide fragments during digestion.
The addition of sugar (saccharation) to pepsin serves various purposes. Firstly, it improves the stability of pepsin and helps to protect its enzymatic activity. The sugar acts as a protectant, preventing the pepsin from denaturation or deactivation when exposed to environmental factors such as heat, humidity, or pH changes. This enables the saccharated pepsin to be stored for longer periods without significant loss of activity.
Furthermore, the addition of sugar also enhances the palatability of the preparation. By masking the bitter taste of pepsin, saccharated pepsin becomes more easily consumable and less likely to cause discomfort or aversion when ingested. This is particularly important for patients who may have difficulties swallowing or who are sensitive to strong tastes.
Saccharated pepsin can be found in various over-the-counter digestive aids, such as tablets, capsules, or powders, that are used to treat indigestion, heartburn, and other gastrointestinal disorders. The recommended dosage and administration instructions for saccharated pepsin may vary depending on the specific product and the purpose for which it is used. It is always advisable to consult a healthcare professional or follow the instructions provided by the manufacturer for accurate usage information.
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Prepared by triturating pepsin 1, with sugar of milk 9, was official in the U.S.P. 1890; dose 3 1/2-2 (2.0-8.0).
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for SACCHARATED PEPSIN
Etymology of SACCHARATED PEPSIN
The etymology of the word "saccharated pepsin" can be broken down as follows:
1. Saccharated: The term "saccharated" comes from the Latin word "saccharum", meaning "sugar". It is derived from the Greek word "sákcharon", which also means "sugar". The suffix "-ated" in English is used to form adjectives indicating the presence of a specific substance or something being treated or combined with that substance.
2. Pepsin: The word "pepsin" originated from the Greek word "peptein", meaning "to digest". In the late 19th century, German physiologist Theodor Schwann introduced the term "pepsin" to describe the digestive enzyme found in the stomach, responsible for breaking down proteins.
