4114-2 
somewhat in color of anther and perianth in different localities. Culver’s Physic 
was introduced into English gardens in 1714, and has been somewhat planted in 
this country. 
This is one of the many American Aboriginal remedies handed down by them 
to the botanics, and extensively, therefore, used in domestic practice from our 
earliest settlements. In a fresh state the root gained a great reputation as a 
drastic purge and abortivant, but its action was too uncertain and severe; in this 
state it was also frequently employed in intermittents, and was thought to bea 
prophylactic against future attacks. The use of the fresh drug has, however, 
almost ceased in general practice, giving place to the dried root, and an extrac. 
tive called Leptandrin. Doses of from 20 to 60 grains of the powdered root have 
been used as a stomachic tonic, laxative, and antiperiodic ; in dyspepsia, torpidity 
of the liver, debilitated conditions of the alimentary tract, typhoid and intermittent 
fever, and some forms of dysentery and diarrhoea. Speaking of the drug in the 
light of sixty years ago, Rafinesque says:* “The root alone is medical ; it is bitter 
and nauseous, and is commonly used in warm decoction as purgative and emetic, 
acting somewhat like the Eupatortum and Verbena hastata; some boil it in milk 
for a milder cathartic, or as a sudorific in pleurisy. A strong decoction of the fresh 
root is a violent and disagreeable, but effectual and popular remedy in the Western 
States, for the summer bilious fevers.” 
The officinal preparations of the U.S, Phar. are: Extractum Leptandre and 
Extractum Leptandre Fluidum. In the Eclectic Materia Medica the same prepa- 
rations are recommended, and the following also advised: Extractum Leptandre 
Hydroalcoholicum and Tinctura Leptandre. 
PART USED AND PREPARATION.—The fresh root of the second year, 
gathered after fruition, should be chopped and pounded to a pulp and weighed, 
Then two parts by weight of alcohol are to be taken, the pulp thoroughly mixed 
with one-sixth part of it, and the rest of the alcohol added. After stirring the 
whole well, transfer it to a well-stoppered bottle, and allow it to macerate eight 
days in a dark, cool place, shaking twice a day. 
The tincture, prepared from this mass by pressing and filtering, has a deep 
reddish-orange color by transmitted light ; a somewhat earthy odor; no character- 
istic taste; and an acid reaction. 
CHEMICAL CONSTITUENTS.—Lefptandrine.+ This bitter principle, sepa- 
rated by Wayne,{ retains the characteristic odor of the root. It is crystallizable_ 
when free from coloring-matter, and is soluble in water, alcohol, and ether. 
Tannin, gum, resin, volatile oil, and mannite,§ a volatile alkaloid, citric acid 
: and a saponin-like body having a glucosidal nature,|| have also been determined. 
 * Med. Flora, 2, 22. 
+ This name is proposed, that the substance may not be confounded with “ Leptandrin, 
mS . 
oe y’ the extract of the tincture 
t Proc. Am, Phar, Assoc., 1856, 34. 
@ Wayne, Am. Four, Phar., 1859, 557. — 
|| Mayer, Am. Four. Phar., 1863, 298. 
