284 



EUPHOEBIACE^E 



numerous tracheids, arranged in four or five radiating rows that are 

 quite regular in their disposition. 

 Powder. Characteristic elements: See Part iv, Chap. I, B. 



CONSTITUENTS. The active principle has not yet been determined; it is 

 probably a volatile principle, as old roots are nearly inert. An acrid 

 resin (sylvacrol, soluble in alcohol and chloroform, insoluble in ben- 

 zene), volatile oil, fixed oil, resin, starch, tannin, and gum have been 

 separated. The so-called oil of stillingia, as found in the market, 

 is intended to be the ethereal extract, but sometimes possesses very 

 little of the persistent acrimony of the root. Ash, not to exceed 5 

 per cent. 



FIG. 162. Stillingia Cross-section of root. (17 diam.) A, Corjf. B, Parenchyma of cortex. 

 C, Medullary ray. D, Xylem. (Photomicrograph.) 



ACTION AND USES. An efficient alterative and antisyphilitic, usually 

 given in combination, often with sarsaparilla, but more generally in 

 the compound syrup of stillingia. Dose: 15 to 30 gr. (i to 2 Gm.). 



OFFICIAL PREPARATION. 



Fluidextractum Stillingiae, Dose: 15 to 20 15 (i to 2 mils). 



305. EUPHORBIA. There are a number of species of this genus yielding 

 medicinal products: 



305 a. EUPHORBIA COROLLATA Linne. LARGE FLOWERING SPURGE. (Root.) 

 Long, branched; externally purplish-black, wrinkled; internally whitish 

 or yellowish. The medical virtues reside in the very thick, internally whitish 

 bark, which constitutes about two- thirds of the whole root. Inodorous; 

 taste sweetish, somewhat bitter and acrid. Emetic in doses of 10 to 20 gr. 

 (0.6 to 1.3 Gm.); diaphoretic, expectorant, and cathartic in smaller doses. 



305 b. EUPHORBIA IPECACUANHA. IPECACUANHA SPURGE. (Root.) Has 

 medical properties similar to the above. It is of a light brown color ex- 

 ternally, with a thick bark inclosing a yellowish or whitish wood. The 

 action of these two drugs is due to a resinous matter. Both are indigenous. 



