SENNA 235 



ACTION AND USES. A prompt and efficient cathartic. Its griping 

 action may be prevented by combining it with an aromatic and one 

 of the alkaline salts, or, as before stated, by first extracting the griping 

 principle with alcohol. Dose: 2 to 8 dr. (8 to 30 Gm.). 



OFFICIAL PREPARATIONS. 



Infusum Sennae Compositum (6 per 



cent., with manna and Epsom salts, 



each, 12 per cent., and fennel 2 per 



cent.), Dose: i to 2^ fl. oz. (30 to 75 mils). 



Syrupus Sennae (25 per cent, of Fl'ext.), i to 4 fl. dr. (4 to 15 mils). 



Fluidextractum Sennae, ^ to 4 fl. dr. (2 to 15 mils). 



Pulvis Glycyrrhizae Compositus (18 



per cent.), i to 2 dr. (4 to 8 Gm.). 



Syrupus Sarsaparillae Compositus, ... 4 fl. dr. (15 mils). 



FIG. 126. Cassia acutifolia Branch showing flower and fruit. 



241. CASSIA MARILANDICA Linne\ AMERICAN SENNA. (Leaflets.) Oblong- 

 lanceolate, about 25 mm. (i in.) in length, mucronate at the apex and uneven 

 and short-stalked at base; lower surface lighter green' than upper surface. 

 They have a weaker odor and taste than senna, but have similar medicinal 

 properties, their action depending upon the same principle, cathartic acid. 



242. MELILOTUS, N.F. SWEET CLOVER. The flowering tops of Melilo'tus 

 officina'lis Willdenow. The small yellowish or white flowers are in a close, 

 rounded raceme on an angular stem; leaves serrate, trifoliate; odor fragrant, 

 honey-like; taste aromatic and bitter. They contain melilotol (a fragrant 

 volatile oil), coumarin (the aromatic principle of tonka), cumaric acid, and 



