158 POLYGONE.E 



Preparation of Chrysophanic Acid. Tincture of rhubarb, after standing for 

 some time, deposits yellow sedimentary crystals. This sediment, dissolved in 

 benzene, deposits the principle on evaporation. 



Chrysarobin is a principle easily converted into chrysophanic acid by oxidation. 

 The source of this is Goa powder (from Andira araroba). The powder is extracted 

 with hot benzene (benzol), and the liquid allowed to cool. The orange-colored 

 principle separates as the liquid cools. 



ACTION AND USES. Purgative and astringent. It has been highly 

 esteemed as an antidysenteric remedy because of the fact that the 

 cathartic principles are accompanied by the antiseptic action of 

 chrysophan, and because catharsis is followed by an astringent and 

 tonic effect upon the mucous lining. Roasting destroys the cathartic 

 quality, when the root becomes simply a bitter astringent. Dose: 15 

 to 30 gr. (i to 2 Gm.). 



OFFICIAL PREPARATIONS. 



Tinctura Rhei (20 per cent., with carda- 

 mom) Dose: I to 4 fl. dr. (4 to 15 mils). 



Tinctura Rhei Aromatica (20 per cent., 

 with cassia cinnamon, cloves, and 



nutmeg), ^ to 3 fl. dr. (2 to 12 mils). 



Syrupus Rhei Aromaticus (15 per 



of aromatic tincture), 2 to 6 fl. dr. (8 to 24 mils). 



Fluidextractum Rhei, 5 to 30 njj (0.3 to 2 mils). 



Mistura Rhei et Sodse (1.5 per cent, 

 with sodium bicarbonate, fl'ext. of 

 ipecac, and spirit peppermint),.. . 

 Syrupus Rhei (Fl'ext. 10 per cent.), 2 to 6 fl. dr. (8 to 24 mils). 



Extractum Rhei, 5 to 15 gr. (0.3 to I Gm.). 



Pulvis Rhei Compositus (25 per cent., 



with magnesia and ginger), I to 3 dr. (4 to 12 Gm.). 



Pilulse Rhei Composite (each pill con- 

 taining about 2 gr. of rhubarb, with 

 purified aloes i% gr., myrrh, and oil of 

 peppermint), I to 3 pills. 



121. RUMEX, N.P. YELLOW DOCK. The root of Ru'mex cris'pus LinnS, and of 

 some other species of Rumex. Off. in U.S. P. 1890. A fusiform root from 

 100 to 200 mm. (4 to 8 in.) long and 10 to 15 mm. (% to % in.) thick; externally 

 reddish-brown, the upper portion annulate, the lower portion wrinkled; 

 fracture short, exhibiting a rather thick cortical layer and a yellowish or whitish 

 interior, somewhat mottled, the rather porous and horny wood-wedges sepa- 

 rated by fine, distinct, reddish medullary rays; inodorous; taste astringent 

 and bitter. Alterative, tonic, and astringent. Dose: 15 to 60 gr. (l to 4 

 Gm.). Extractum Rumicis Fluidum, U.S.P. 1890. Dose: 15 to 60 ttjj (i to 

 4 mils). 



122. CANAIGRE. The root of Ru'mex hymenosep'alus Torrey, from which 

 a tannin is obtained. This plant resembles common dock, Rumex crispus, 

 and flourishes in dry, barren, sandy soil in Southwestern United States and 

 Mexico. It propagates by means of the roots, which grow in clusters of 

 three or four. They are from 50 to 150 mm. (2 to 6 in.) long, and 25 to 50 

 mm. ( i to 2 in.) thick, reddish-brown to almost black. A cross-section shows 

 a prominent cambium line and a broad radiating center. The tissue is 

 chiefly parenchyma, containing starch, tannin, and a yellowish-red coloring 

 matter. The tannin is yellowish-white, identical with that of rhubarb 

 (rheotannic acid). 



123. POLYGONTJM ACRE. WATER PEPPER. SMART WEED. (Herb.) Stimu- 

 lant, diuretic, and emmenagogue. Dose: i to 2 dr. (4 to 8 Gm.). 



