CASCARA SAGRADA CASCARA AMARGA. 57 



CASCARA SAGRADA. Rhamnus Purshlana, D.C. 



N.O. Rhamnacetf. 

 Syn. Sacred Bark. 



Part used Bark. 



Action Laxative, tonic. Largely used for habitual 

 constipation, dyspepsia, and digestive complaints, also 

 in the treatment of piles. For chronic constipation a 

 first dose of half or i teaspoonful at bedtime should be 

 taken, followed by doses of 5-10 drops before each meal. 



Preparations Fluid extract B.P. : Dose, 5 drops to 

 i drachm. Fluid extract U.S. P. : Dose, 15 drops. 

 Fluid extract, tasteless: Dose, J-i drachm. Fluid extract, 

 aromatic, U.S. P. : Dose, 15 drops. Solid extract B.P. : 

 Dose, 2-8 grains. Aromatic Syrup B.P. : Dose, \-i 

 drachms. Powder extract : Dose, 2-10 grains. 

 Rhamnin : Dose, 2-6 grains. 



Distinctive character Bark in quilled or curved 

 pieces about f inch wide and ^ inch thick, purplish 

 brown, furrowed longitudinally with transversely linear 

 marks (lenticels), sometimes silvery grey with lichens. 

 The inner surface is transversely wrinkled and longi- 

 tudinally striated, reddish brown. Transverse fracture 

 pale or dark brown, according to age. Taste, persistently 

 bitter or nauseous. Odour, leather-like. Specimens 

 with dark brown fracture, indicating its having been 

 kept, are to be preferred, as recent bark sometimes 

 causes nausea. 



CASCARA AMARGA. Picramnla Antldesma, S.W. 



N.O. Simcirubacez. 



Action Bitter tonic. Said to have distinctly altera- 

 tive properties. 



Distinctive character Bark in small fragments less 

 than i inch long and about J inch wide and inch thick, 

 externally greyish, internally deep brown, inner surface 



