TARAXACUM 



421 



cent, of moisture. The dried root is longitudinally and spirally 

 wrinkled; when quite dry, has a brittle fracture, showing a dark 

 brown exterior and a thick, white bark. 



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



CONSTITUENTS. Taraxacin (a bitter principle), taraxacerin, C 9 Hi 5 O, 

 resin, inulin, sugar, and mucilaginous substances. The percent- 

 age of sugar varies with different seasons and with condition of soil; 

 it is said to diminish in the summer. Recent investigations have 

 shown the existence of an alkaloid. But this has been found to be 

 exceedingly minute a mere trace. Ash, not more than 10 per cent. 



Preparation of Taraxacin. Treat decoction with animal charcoal, wash the 

 latter with water, and dissolve out bitter principle with boiling alcohol; evapo- 

 rate. It has not been proven that this is crystalline. Composition uncertain. 



FIG. 248. Inulin spherules in Taraxacum. 



FIG. 249. Laticiferous tissue in Taraxacum root. 

 ,, Laticiferous tissue. P, Parenchyma. 



ACTION AND USES. Deobstruent, tonic. As a remedial agent dandelion 

 root has not been properly appreciated, possibly because it is such a 

 common weed. It is worthy of more study on the part of pharma- 

 ceutical chemists and clinicians. The. fluidextract and extract 

 are used in hepatic disorders. Dose.: i to 4 dr. (4 to 15 Gm.). 



OFFICIAL PREPARATIONS. 



Fluidextractum Taraxaci, Dose: 



Extractum Taraxaci, 



I to 4 fl. dr. (4 to 15 mils). 

 5 to 60 gr. (0.3 to 4 Gm.). 



554. CICHORIUM. CHICORY. The root of Cichor'ium in'tybus Linne". Habitat: 

 Europe; naturalized in the United States. Nearly cylindrical, resembling 

 dandelion, but lighter in color, more woody, with a thinner bark, and with the 

 laticiferous vessels of the woody column and the bark arranged radially; 

 very bitter. It contains inulin and a bitter principle. Bitter tonic in doses 

 of 15 to 60 gr. (i to 4 Gm.), in decoction. Its greatest demand is as an adul- 

 terant of coffee. It should be stated, however, that roasted chicory has be- 

 come a favorite in many parts as a coffee substitute. The cultivation of the 

 plant for this purpose and as a forage plant has grown to be a permanent agri- 

 cultural industry in nearly every country of Europe and in many parts of the 

 United States. 



