ii4 GENTIAN. 



disorders of women it is a favourite remedy. In large 

 doses it depresses the nervous system and gives rise to 

 convulsions and toxic symptoms. 



Preparations Fluid extract U.S. P. : Dose, 5-10 

 drops. Solid extract: Dose, 1-2 grains. Tincture 

 B.P. : Dose, 5-15 drops. Gelsemin : Dose, ^-2 grains. 



Distinctive character The root is often mixed with 

 the underground stem, the latter distinguished by its 

 distinct pith, the straight form, and the purplish, longi- 

 tudinal lines on the bark. The root is usually more or 

 less tortuous, brown and smooth, with a thin bark and 

 woody centre composed of porous woody wedges, and 

 rather broad medullary rays. Fracture, short and 

 woody, showing in the bark a few thin projecting silky 

 fibres. Taste, slightly bitter. Odour, faintly aromatic. 



GENTIAN. Gentiana lutea, Linn. 



N.O. Gentianacctz. 

 Part used Root. 



Action Tonic. Deservedly the most popular of 

 tonic medicines. Being a simple bitter it may be given 

 in all cases of weakness of digestive organs, general 

 debility, female weakness, hysteria, &c. 



Preparations Fluid extract: Dose, \-\ drachm. 

 Compound infusion B.P. : Dose, ^-i ounce. Compound 

 tincture B.P. and U.S. P. : Dose, \-\ drachm. Solid 

 extract B.P. : Dose, 2-8 grains. 



Distinctive character The root is cylindrical, 

 brown, i foot or more in length, or broken up into 

 shorter pieces, usually -1 inch thick, the upper portion 

 marked with numerous rings, the lower longitudinally 

 wrinkled, tough and flexible, internally of an orange 

 brown tint, uniformly spongy. Taste, very bitter. 

 Odour, strong and distinctive. 



