analeptic (anÂ´ÉlepÂ´tik), n 1. an agent that acts to overcome depression of the central nervous system. n 2. a strong central nervous system stimulant that is used to restore consciousness, especially from a drug-induced coma. 1. a drug that acts as a stimulant to the central nervous system, such as caffeine and amphetamine.
Shellac is scraped from the bark of the trees where the female lac bug, Kerria lacca (Order Hemiptera, Family Kerriidae), also known as Laccifer lacca, secretes it to form a tunnel-like tube as it traverses the branches of the tree.
Shellac is edible and it is used as a glazing agent on pills and candies. Because of its alkaline properties, shellac-coated pills may be used for a timed enteric or colonic release. It is also used to replace the natural wax of the apple, which is removed during the cleaning process.