134 



PIPERACE^E 



CONSTITUENTS. Volatile oil (5 to 18 per cent.), cubebin, 



cubebic acid, Ci4Hi 6 C>4, resin, fat, wax, and starch. Cubebin is a 

 colorless principle and forms the greater portion of the sediment which 

 deposits from the official oleoresin on standing. Cubebic acid is 

 the principle upon which depends the diuretic action of cubebs; the 

 volatile oil is stimulating. Ash, not exceeding 8 per cent. 



FIG. 55. Piper cubeba Fruiting branch and fruit (enlarged). 



Preparation of Cubebin. Precipitates from oleoresin, upon standing, in -vhite, 

 crystalline form; inodorous and bitter. 



ACTION AND USES. Stimulant, carminative, and diuretic. Its especial 

 action is on the mucous membrane of the geni to-urinary tract. Dose: 

 15 gr. to 2 dr. (i to 8 Gm.). 



OFFICIAL PREPARATIONS. 



OleoresinajCubebae, Dose: 5 to 30 njj (0.3 to 2 mils). 



Trochisci Cubebae (% gr. of oleoresin in 



each troche), I or 2 troches. 



