Botanic Remedies 129 



it as derived from Vouacapoua araroba. A neutral 

 principle. Do not confound with chrysophanic acid. 



PHAEMACOLOGY. As it belongs to the anthracene 

 group, it purges in doses of from 1-10 to 1 grain; 

 but it is unavailable as a purgative, since it irritates 

 the kidneys. It is a reducing agent, but is not an 

 effective antiseptic. Applied to any considerable 

 area it is absorbed, irritating the kidneys and in- 

 ducing a dangerous intoxication. It is exceedingly 

 irritating to the eyes. 



THERAPEUTICS. Never give it internally; never 

 apply to healthy skin, and never apply near to the 

 eyes. Don't forget it stains yellow; but the stain 

 may be partially removed with chlorinated lime. 



The uses of chrysarobin externally are well de- 

 fined. Superficial parasitic skin diseases of vegetable 

 origin, more especially ringworm, yield to it pro- 

 vided the initially superficial lesion has not pene- 

 trated into deep tissues. Actinomycosis and sporo- 

 trichosis involve tissues too deep to be influenced 

 by this drug. Chronic patches of psoriasis are amen- 

 able, and to a less degree eczema and favus. To all 

 of these it is a stimulant application in 2 per cent 

 ointment to begin with and running up to 6 per 

 cent. It is used 2 to 10 per cent in solution of gutta-> 

 percha. 



CIMICIFUGA 



BLACK COHOSH, MACROTYS, Cimicifuga racemosa. 

 Official in the Netherlands and the United States. 

 The drug is much reduced in activity by drying. 



PHARMACOLOGY. Hoyt classes it as a mild seda- 

 tive, the increase of dosage producing frontal head- 

 ache. Hatcher classes it among the bitters. Bartho- 

 low regarded it as effective when used in dosage 



