302 



MALVACEAE 



with an indistinctly radiate arrangement near the edge. The cells 

 of the parenchyma contain starch and mucilage, with a few stellate 

 rhaphides. Most of this drug now appears cut into fine pieces or 

 granules. This often looks beautifully white, but on scrutiny it is 

 found coated with lime. (Rusby.) 



Powder. Characteristic elements: Microscopical elements of: See Part iv, 

 Chap. I, B. 



CONSTITUENT?. Asparagin, C4H 8 N 2 O3H 2 O, i per cent, (a colorless, 

 nearly tasteless, crystalline principle), bassorin, Ci 2 H 2 oOio, 25 per 



cent, (althaea mucilage, 

 a turbid, slimy, non-ad- 

 hesive mucilage, which 

 when dried forms a very 

 coherent mass), sugar 8 

 per cent., pectin 10 per 

 cent., ash 5 per cent., 

 starch 35 per cent., a 

 fixed oil, and a trace of 

 tannin. Ash, not to ex- 

 ceed 8 per cent. 



PIG. 174. Althaea officinalis Flowering branch. 



FIG. 1740. Cross-section of a portion 

 of the trimmed branch of Althaea, a. 

 Bark. b. Medullary ray. c. Paren- 

 chyma, d. Wood-bundle. Magnified 

 18 diam. 



ACTION AND USES. Used as a demulcent application to inflamed mucous 

 tissues, as in bronchitis. Powdered marshmallow root being exceed- 

 ingly absorbent, is used advantageously to impart consistency to 

 soft pill-masses. (In Mass. Hydrarg., 15 per cent. In Blaud's 

 Pills and Pil. Phosphorus.) 



ALTHEA FOLIA recognized by the N.F. 



