Pancreatin CAS 8049-47-6

The pancreatic enzyme system is a mixture of various enzymes extracted from the pancreas of pigs, sheep, or cattle. It is a light yellowish or slightly yellow powder, partially soluble in water. The aqueous solution is stable at pH 2 to 3 and unstable above pH 6. The presence of Ca2+ can increase its stability. It is partially soluble in low-concentration ethanol solutions and insoluble in high-concentration ethanol, acetone, and ether and other organic solvents. It has a slight odor but no musty smell. It is hygroscopic. When exposed to acids, heat, and protein precipitating agents such as tannic acid, it will precipitate and lose its enzymatic activity. Pancreatic enzyme preparations are enteric-coated tablets of pancreatic enzymes. After removing the enteric coating, they appear white or pale yellow. They are most effective in neutral or slightly acidic conditions, so they are often taken with sodium bicarbonate.