358 GENTIANE^E 



It is sometimes used to adulterate senega. Other indigenous species, 

 as G. purpurea and G. punctata, have about the same properties 

 as the official gentian and are used similarly. The herb G. quin- 

 queflora is used in liver affections, chronic ague, jaundice, etc. 



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



CONSTITUENTS. The bitter principle is a neutral principle, gentiopic- 

 rin, C 2 oH 3 oOi2, the yellow color is due to gentisin, Ci 4 HioO 5 , or 

 gentisic acid (tasteless yellow prisms). The root also contains from 

 12 to 15 per cent, of glucose (gentianose), CieHeeOsi, but is remark- 

 able in that it contains no starch, calcium oxalate, or tannin. Ash, 

 not to exceed 6 per cent. 



Preparation of Gentisic Acid. The alcoholic extract is washed with water, 

 then with ether. The residue dissolved in alcohol yields the acid on evaporation. 

 It isjin yellow, tasteless crystals, partially soluble in alcohol and ether; with ferric 

 salts gives dark brown color. 



Preparation of Gentiopicrin. Obtained by making aqueous solution of alco- 

 holic extract. This solution is subjected to the absorptive action of charcoal. 

 Charcoal is then boiled with alcohol, tincture evaporated, and treated with lead 

 oxide to remove color. Lead removed by H 2 S; solution agitated with ether. 

 Set solution aside to crystallize. Yellowish-brown, soluble in water and dilute 

 alcohol. 



ACTION AND USES. Simple bitter tonic, long known and very valu- 

 able. Dose: 5 to 30 gr. (0.3 to 2 Gm.). 



OFFICIAL PREPARATIONS. 



Fluidextractum Gentianae, Dose: 5 to 30 ITR (0.3 to 2 mils). 



Extractum Gentianae, 5 to 10 gr. (0.3 to 0.6 Gm.). 



Tinctura Gentianae Composita (10 per 

 cent., with orange-peel and cardamom), i to 2 fl. dr. (4 to 8 mils). 



442. FRASERA. AMERICAN COLUMBO. The root of Fra'sera wal'teri Michaux, 

 a plant growing extensively in Southern and Western United States, especially 

 in Arkansas and Missouri. Its root is long and spindle-shaped, but comes 

 into market in transverse slices, irregularly circular, about 25 mm. (i in.) in 

 diameter; these disks consist of a central medullary matter, yellowish-brown, 

 shrunken in the middle, and a reddish-brown exterior; inodorous; taste at 

 first sweet, then bitter. It may be distinguished from cplumbo by its greater 

 uniformity of internal structure, the absence of concentric and radiating lines, 

 and its purer yellow color without the green tinge. It occasionally comes into 

 the market in longitudinal slices under the name of American gentian. It 

 contains gentiopicrin and gentisic acid, but no starch or tannin. Simple 

 bitter tonic like columbo and gentian. Dose: 15 to 30 gr. (i to 2 Gm.). 



443. CHIRATA. CHIRATA, N.F. 



CHIRETTA 

 The dried plant Swer'tia chira'yita Hamilton. 



HABITAT. Nepal and other parts of Northern India. 



DESCRIPTION OF DRUG. Chirata of the market consists principally of short 

 sections of the stem and branches, orange-brown or dark purple in color, 

 generally pressed and split, showing the yellow pith, and mixed with a few 

 leaves and flower panicles. These stems when entire are about 4 mm. (% in.) 



