Dioctahedral Smectite (Diosmectite) | CAS 1318-93-0 | Adsorbent
Product Name: Dioctahedral Smectite (Diosmectite)
CAS No.: 1318-93-0
Appearance: Fine powder, grayish-white to yellowish-white; practically insoluble in water (forms a suspension)
Type: Natural aluminum silicate, clay mineral
1. Introduction
Dioctahedral smectite (diosmectite) is a natural aluminum silicate with pronounced adsorbent and coating properties. It is widely used in medicine for the treatment of diarrhea of various origins, symptomatic treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and other gastrointestinal disorders accompanied by pain and discomfort.
Gastrointestinal diseases accompanied by diarrhea and mucosal inflammation require agents capable of binding and eliminating toxins, bacteria, and viruses, while also protecting the mucous membrane. Dioctahedral smectite, due to its unique layered structure and high adsorption capacity, effectively performs these functions, alleviating symptoms and helping to restore normal GI function.
2. Chemical Structure
Dioctahedral smectite belongs to the group of clay minerals. Its crystal structure consists of layers of silica tetrahedra and aluminum oxide octahedra. The general formula can be represented as:
(Na,Ca)₀.₃₃(Al,Mg)₂(Si₄O₁₀)(OH)₂ · nH₂O
For diosmectite, aluminum predominates in the octahedral layers (dioctahedral structure). Dioctahedral smectite is a natural mineral mined from clay deposits. The process of producing the medicinal preparation includes purification of raw materials from impurities, grinding to a specific particle size, and standardization.
3. Physicochemical Properties
| Property | Description |
|---|---|
| Appearance | Fine powder, grayish-white to yellowish-white |
| Solubility | Practically insoluble in water; forms a suspension |
| Adsorption Capacity | High surface area; binds toxins, bacteria, viruses, gases, and bile acids |
| Coating Properties | Forms a protective layer on the GI mucosa against hydrochloric acid, bile, and other irritants |
| Cytoprotective Effect | Increases mucus production and improves its quality, enhancing mucosal resistance to damage |
| Systemic Action | Virtually not absorbed from the GI tract; excreted unchanged |
4. Applications
| Indication | Use |
|---|---|
| Acute & Chronic Diarrhea | Used in children and adults for infectious and non-infectious diarrhea |
| Symptomatic GERD Treatment | Reduces heartburn, belching, and epigastric pain |
| Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) | Reduces pain, bloating, and normalizes stool |
| Abdominal Pain Disorders | Gastritis, duodenitis, colitis – reduces pain syndrome |
5. Conclusion
Dioctahedral smectite is an effective and safe enterosorbent with pronounced gastroprotective properties. Its ability to adsorb pathogens and toxins, as well as protect the GI mucosa, makes it a valuable agent in the treatment of a wide range of gastroenterological diseases in patients of all ages.
