222 Botanic Drugs 



in the stomach in gastric ulcer and other conditions. 

 PAPAIN is the more active agent of the class. A 

 5% solution in equal parts of glycerin and water 

 dissolves false membrane in croup. These agents 

 are not of as great clinical value as was formerly 

 thought to be the case. 



MANNA 



The concrete saccharine exudation of Fraxinus 

 ornus is almost universally official. The Netherlands 

 recognize mannite and not manna. Manna is a 

 mild laxative suitable to give to children. It is 

 administered in milk and is pleasant to the taste. 

 Average dose, 4 drachms. Mannite is a peculiar 

 sugar. TAMARINDUS, N. F. IV, from Tamarindus 

 Indica, is another saccharine laxative almost uni- 

 versally official but deleted from the U. S. P. IX. 

 It is used in the same dosage as manna and is an 

 ingredient of the old confections. CASSIA, from 

 Cassia fistula, has also been deleted from the U. S. P., 

 but is official in several countries. It is another 

 of the saccharine laxatives, but is apt to cause 

 griping. Its average dose is 60 grains. PRUNUM, 

 from Prunus domestica, was official in the U. S. P. 

 VIII, but is now listed in the National Formulary. 

 It is a laxative when eaten in quantity as a dessert. 

 Prunes contain benzoic acid, which is excreted by 

 the kidneys in the form of hippuric acid; so prunes 

 and cranberries are used to acidify the urine. Ficus, 

 FIGS from F. carica, were official in the U. S. P. 

 VIII. They are laxative, partly from the sugar 

 content and partly from the small seeds therein 

 acting mechanically. 



This whole class, as well as "Agar," q. v., are 



