178 MANACA MANDRAKE, AMERICAN. 



Distinctive character The dried rootstock averages 

 about 1^-2$ inches in diameter and about 3 inches long, 

 and consists, as met with in commerce, of the scaly 

 leaf-bases attached to the rhizome, and trimmed free of 

 rootlets. The transverse section shows 10 large wood 

 bundles in a ring, and some scattered smaller ones, but 

 the leaf base shows only eight, forming an irregular 

 circle. It is reddish brown externally, and somewhat 

 greenish internally. Taste, bitterish, sweet, acrid, and 

 astringent. Flavour and odour, unpleasant. 



MANACA. Brunfelsia Hopeana, Hook. 



N.O. Solanocta. 

 Syn. Franciscea uniflora, Pohl. 



Part used Root. 



Action Alterative, diuretic, antirheumatic. Used 

 as a rheumatic remedy in South America. Is con- 

 sidered a most valuable alterative in scrofula, syphilis, 

 and rheumatic arthritis. A decoction of i ounce in a 

 pint of water is taken in tablespoonful to wineglass- 

 ful doses. 



Preparation Fluid extract : Dose, 10-60 drops. 



Distinctive character The root occurs in pieces 

 about 4-6 inches in length, with a pale brown, papery 

 epidermis. The transverse section shows a thin, dark 

 brown bark about ^ inch thick, and several concentric 

 rings of wood traversed by slender medullary rays. 

 Taste, sweetish and faintly aromatic. 



MANDRAKE, AMERICAN. 



Podophyllum peltatum, Linn. 

 N.O. Berberidaeea. 



Syn. May Apple, Racoon Berry, Wild Lemon. 

 Parts used Root, resin. 



Action Antibilious, cathartic, hydragogue, purgative. 

 Mandrake is a powerful medicine, exercising an influence 



