SARSAPARILLA, JAMAICA. 247 



diseases and ulcerations. Much thought of by the 

 Indian natives who ascribe to it several medicinal virtues 

 besides those mentioned. 



Preparation Syrup B.P. : Dose, ^-i drachm. 



Distinctive character In cylindrical, transversely- 

 cracked pieces, 6 inches or more in length and about 

 J inch thick, with the corky layer often loosely attached, 

 violet brown, or of a reddish tint. The section shows 

 a white, mealy, corky layer, somewhat violet-tinted, and 

 a yellowish, woody centre. Taste, pleasant, sweetish, 

 slightly acrid. Odour, recalling heliotrope. 



SARSAPARILLA, JAMAICA. 



Smilax ornata, Hook. f. 



N.O. Lilicicece. 



Syn. Smilax medica, Schlecht and Cham., Smilax 

 officinalis, H. B. and K. 



Part used Root. 



Action Alterative. This is the root introduced by 

 the Spaniards in 1563 as a sure cure for syphilis. It has 

 been thoroughly tested since then, and experience has 

 demonstrated the fact that it is not an absolute specific. 

 However, it contains active alterative principles, which 

 cause it still to be held in high opinion as a general 

 purifier of the blood. It is chiefly given in conjunction 

 with other remedies, such as Sassafras, Burdock, &c. It 

 forms the chief ingredient in the Concentrated Com- 

 pound Solution of Sarsaparilla of the B.P. 



Preparations Powdered root : Dose, \-i drachm. 

 Fluid extract B.P. : Dose, 2-4 drachms. Fluid extract 

 U.S. P. : Dose, ^- 1 drachm. Solid extract : Dose, 10-20 

 grains. Compound solution : Dose, 2-8 drachms. 

 Comp. syrup U.S. P.: Dose, 4 drachms. Smilacin : 

 Dose, 2-5 grains. 



Distinctive character Root rusty brown, cylindri- 

 cal, about -$ inch in diameter, with numerous slender 



