512 VEGETABLE DRUGS 



Ferri Valerianas. Ferric Valerianate. (U. S. P.) 



Made by precipitating a solution of ferric sulphate with 

 a solution of sodium valerianate, and washing and drying 

 the precipitate. 



Properties. — A dark, brick-red, amorphous powder of 

 somewhat varying chemical composition ; having the odor of 

 valerianic acid and a mildly styptic taste ; permanent in dry 

 air. Insoluble in cold water, but readily soluble in alcohol. 



Z>o»e.— D., gr.i.-iiL (.06-.18). 



ZiNCi Yalerianas. Zinc Valerianate. Zn(C5H902), -h 2 H^O. 

 (U. S. k B. P.) 



Made by crystallization from a mixture of hot solutions 

 of zinc sulphate and sodium valerianate. 



Properties. — White, pearly scales, having the odor of 

 valerianic acid, and a sweetish, astringent and metallic taste. 

 On exposure to the air it slowly loses valerianic acid. 

 Soluble in 100 parts of water, and in 40 parts of alcohol. 



Incompatibility. — Incompatible with acids, metallic salts 

 and soluble carbonates ; also vegetable astringents. 



Dose.— D., gr.i.-iii. f.06-.18). 



Administration. — Valerian should be given in the form 

 of the fluid extract to horses, and this preparation or the 

 tinctures may be exhibited to dogs in dilution. Valerianic 

 acid is not used in medicine except to make valerianates. 

 Of the salts, the zinc valerianate is the most popular, and is 

 administered in pills in canine practice. 



ACTION AND USES OF VALERIAN AND VALERIANATES. 



The physiological action of valerianic acid and the 

 valerianates is an unknown quantity, but clinical evidence 

 supports their value. The volatile oil in valerian has much 

 the same properties as other volatile oils in stimulating 

 secretion, motion, vascularity and appetite, in relation to the 

 digestive organs ; and, in its elimination, the oil excites the 



