Elixir

An elixir is a sweet liquid used for medical purposes, to be taken orally and intended to cure one's illness. When used as a pharmaceutical preparation, an elixir contains at least one active ingredient designed to be taken orally.

An elixir is a sweet liquid used for medical purposes, to be taken orally and intended to cure one's illness. When used as a pharmaceutical preparation, an elixir contains at least one active ingredient designed to be taken orally. ==Etymology== The word was introduced in late Middle English, through Latin from the Arabic ( ), which in turn is the Arabization of the Ancient Greek ( ) (from ( ) ). For centuries, elixir primarily meant an ingredient used in alchemy, either referring to a liquid which purportedly converts lead to gold, or a substance or liquid which is believed to cure all ills and give eternal life. That which would indefinitely prolong life (more fully elixir vitae, "elixir of life") was considered to be closely related to, or even identical with, the substance for transmuting metals. ==Types== ===Pseudomedicinal drinks=== Daffy's Elixir is reputed to have been invented by clergyman Thomas Daffy, rector of Redmile, Leicestershire, in 1647; and remained popular in Britain and the US until the late 19th century. Dafft named it "elixir salutis" (lit. elixir of health) and promoted it as a generic cure-all. ==Composition== An elixir is a hydro-alcoholic solution of at least one active ingredient. The alcohol is mainly used to: Solubilize the active ingredient(s) and some excipients Retard the crystallization of sugar Preserve the finished product Provide a sharpness to the taste Aid in masking the unpleasant taste of the active ingredient(s) Enhance the flavor. The lowest alcoholic quantity that will dissolve completely the active ingredient(s) and give a clear solution is generally chosen. High concentrations of alcohol give burning taste to the final product. An elixir may also contain the following excipients: Sugar and/or sugar substitutes like the sugar polyols glycerol and sorbitol. Preservatives like parabens and benzoates and antioxidants like butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT) and sodium metabisulfite. Buffering agents Chelating agents like sodium ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) Flavoring agents and flavor enhancers Coloring agents ==Storage== Elixirs should only be stored in a tightly closed, light resistant container away from direct heat and sunlight. ==See also== Brompton cocktail Concoction Elixir of life Internal alchemy Energy drink Soft drink Panacea (medicine), mythological remedy that would cure all diseases Suspension (chemistry) Syrup Spagyric Herbal tea Tincture, in which alcohol is the major solvent and the ingredient is often highly concentrated. Theriac Hot toddy ==References==

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