Caved-S was used to treat gastritis, stomach ulcers, and gastric hyperacidity in general. It was also used to treat flatulence, heartburn, dyspepsia, hyperphosphatemia in patients with kidney disease, anemia, gout, sore throat, tonsillitis and other conditions. The drug corresponded to a complex product containing de-glycyrrhizinated licorice (0.38g), bismuth(III) nitrate basic (Bi5O(OH)9(NO3)4 also known as Bismuth(III) oxynitrate, 0.1g), aluminium hydroxide (Al(OH)3, 0.1g), magnesium hydrocarbonate (0.2g), buckthorn barck (Rhamnus frangula, 0.03g) and rhizoma of sweet flag (Acorus calamus, 0.03g).
Each component of the prepapration contributed to the pharmacological effects. Licorice root extracts display useful pharmacological properties, but the main ingredient of these extracts, the alkaloid glycyrrhizin, can induce cardiovascular damages. The problems with licorice can be largely avoided by using a de-glycyrrhizinated preparation, i.e. extracts from which glycyrrhizin has been removed. Acorus calamus is an annual, semiaquatic, aromatic herb widely used in traditional medicine (in Asia). In India, the rhizomes of the plant are commonly used in India to treat disorders such as seizures, insanity, asthma, diarrhea, insomnia, and hysteria. They have also a hepatoprotective action. Bismuth oxynitrate (also called Bi subnitrate) acts as an antacid that exerts protective effects on the gastric mucosa. It is an odorless and tasteless compound which is effective for symptomatic relieve in duodenal ulcers. It is a common antiacid, used in different products (oral drugs, wound dressing and also in cosmetic products).
