Page 64 - PG 504-theoretical notes-phyto-1-2024-2025..

Clinical pharmacy PharmD program Third level Phytochemistry-1 (PG-504)

ii. Sorbitol:

• It is obtained naturally from ripe
berries of mountain ash; Sorbus

aucuparia “Fam. Rosaceae”

• Or it could be obtained

synthetically from glucose by

hydrogenation.

Properties:

• Sorbitol tastes approximately half as sweet as sucrose.

• Contribute fewer calories than carbohydrates.

• It accumulates in the lenses of diabetics and produces cataract.

Use:

1- Sorbitol is used as sweetening agent in sugar-free candies, cookies, chewing

gum and tooth-pastes.

2- Sorbitol is dietary supply for diabetics because it is not absorbed from G.I.T.

3- Sorbitol is used as osmotic diuretic, administered I.V.

4. Sorbitol is used as Cholagogue

N.B.: Mannitol and sorbitol are not absorbed from GIT, and if given by i.v. route,

they not metabolized and it is excreted through kidneys.

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