71-3 
bark is placed at from 20 to 30 grains, and caution is necessary against its being 
too fresh, as it then disagrees seriously with the stomach and bowels. The bark 
is also considered a tonic, stimulant, and antiseptic poultice for indolent ulcers, 
phlegmonous erysipelas, and anthrax. : 
The officinal preparation of the U. S. Ph. is Axtractum Cornus Fluidum ; in 
the Eclectic Materia Medica the preparations are: Decoctum Cornus Floride, 
Extractum Cornus Florida, Extractum Cornus Floride Fluidum, and Pilule 
Quinie Composite.* 
PART USED AND PREPARATION.—The fresh bark, especially that of the 
root, is to be chopped and pounded to a pulp and weighed. Then two parts by 
weight of alcohol are taken, the pulp thoroughly mixed with one-sixth part of it, 
and the rest of the alcohol added. After having stirred the whole well, pour it into 
a well-stoppered bottle and allow it to remain eight days in a dark, cool place. 
The tincture separated from this mass by filtration, presents a magnificent, 
clear, crimson color by transmitted light. It has a vinous odor, a sharply astringent 
cinnamon.like taste, and a strongly acid reaction. 
CHEMICAL CONSTITUENTS.—Cornic Acid. This acid was discovered by 
Carpenter (1830), who judged it alkaloidal and gave it the name Cornin, Geiger+ 
(1836) investigated the principle and determined it to be a crystalline acid; his 
observations were corroborated by Freyt (1879). It crystallizes in nearly white, 
silky forms, very bitter and soluble in alcohol and water. The crystals deliquesce 
when exposed to the air, and when subjected to heat upon platinum foil they melt 
readily, become black, and finally burst into a flame and burn without residue. 
Oil of Cornus.—The ripe berries, when boiled and pressed, are said to yield 
a limpid oil; this body is uninvestigated. 
Tannic,!*** and gallic acid,!*® a neutral resin crystallizing in shining needles, 
gum,'** extractive,!?*° fatty matter,’ oil,’ wax,” red coloring matter,?**° cornic 
acid,?*+° and a bitter principle,* have been determined. 
1234 
PHYSIOLOGICAL ACTION.—The fresh bark in doses of from 20 to 40 grains 
- causes increased action of the heart, heat of the skin, and severe pain in the bowels, 
The American Indian, true to the principle that seems to have guided him in the use 
of all medicines, used the bark for fever and colic. The symptoms so far devel- 
oped in proving are: sensations of fullness of the head with headache ; nausea and 
vomiting; violent pain in the bowels with purging; and increased bodily tempera- 
ture, followed by hot sweat.’ Dr. Chas. A. Lee sums up the action of the drug 
as follows:? “The physiological effects of Cornus bark are: increased frequency 
of pulse, exalted temperature, diaphoresis, sensation of fullness or pains in the 
* Sulphate of Quinia, extract of Cornus florida, Tartaric acid, and alcoholic extract of Cimicifuga. 
+ M. Geiger, Ann. der Pharm., XIV., 206. 
Am. Four. Phar., 1879, 39°. , . 
: mh Inaug. Diss. 2 Cockburn, Am. Four, Phar., 1835, 114. * Tilden, Four. Mat. Med., i., N.S., 294, 
* Geiger, 1. c. . Frey, i, c.. * Hale, New Rem., 242. 1 The Jour, of Mat, Med.,\. © 
