388 SOLANACE^E 



cially true of the American capsicum, which is grown to a limited 

 extent in Texas and Mexico, where it is ground and called "paprika." 

 The African (Zanzibar) pod yields a powder of a greenish- or brown- 

 ish-yellow color. The commercial variety known as Bombay yields 

 a powder of a more yellowish color than the African, but is not 

 at all like the reddish-orange powder resulting from the American 

 pod. This color fades and disappears on long exposure to the light. 

 It is often adulterated with sawdust and red lead; the former may be 

 detected with the microscope, the latter by digesting the powder in 

 dilute nitric acid, filtering, and adding a solution of sodium sulphate, 

 which will throw down a white precipitate if any lead oxide is present. 

 STRUCTURE. A microscopical examination for the distinction of the 

 above varieties has been suggested. This test is based upon the size 

 and character of the cells of the outer layer of the epidermis, the 

 American having, in dimension, the largest and the African the 

 smallest cell in the outer layer of the pericarp. The value of capsicum 

 can be estimated only by assay. 

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



CONSTITUENTS. Capsaicin, C 9 Hi4O 2 , an exceedingly active pungent prin- 

 ciple existing principally in the pericarp; a volatile alkaloid hav- 

 ing an odor like coniine, supposed to be the result of a decomposi- 

 tion process during ripening of the fruit, as it does not exist in the 

 unripe fruit; fixed oil, fat acids (oleic, palmitic, and stearic), and a 

 red coloring matter (a cholesterin ester of the fat acids). Ash, not 

 exceeding 7 per cent. ; insoluble in HC1 i per cent. 



Capsicum should yield not less than 15 per cent, of non- volatile 

 ether extract, soluble in ether, U.S. P. IX. 



Preparation of Capsaicin. Treat petroleum ether extract with alkali; pass 

 COj through the solution; collect crystals after standing. Soluble in ether, 

 alcohol, benzene, and fixed oils. 



ACTION AND USES. Externally rubefacient. Internally a powerful 

 stimulant. Its chief value medicinally is in the treatment of malig- 

 nant sore throat and scarlet fever, used internally and as a gargle. 

 Dose: i to 5 gr. (0.06 to 0.3 Gm.). 



OFFICIAL PREPARATIONS. 



Tinctura Capsici (10 per cent.), Dose: 15 to 30 nji (i to 2 mils). 



Oleoresina Capsici, Y to i njj (0.0162 to 0.065 m il)- 



517. LYCOPERSICUM ESCULENTUM Miller. TOMATO. The ripe fruit is 

 said to exert a curative action on ulcerated mucous membranes, given in- 

 ternally and applied locally. Dose of fluidextract : 30 to 60 nj{ (2 to 4 mils). 



SCROPHULARIACE^. Figwort Family 



Herbs or rarely trees with didynamous stamens, and an irregular, usually 

 2 lipped, corolla; fruit a capsule. A large order of plants, containing a bitter 

 glucoside. 



