Botanic Remedies 301 



8ARSAPARILLA 



Smilax species, almost universally official, the 

 Mexican, Honduras, Jamaica, and Para sarsa- 

 parilla also being separately recognized in some 

 standards. Sarsaparilla contains three glucosides 

 belonging to the saponin group, none being of 

 medicinal importance. Sarsaparilla is not of any 

 demonstrated therapeutic value. It is used as a 

 flavor, though it is contended that a fresh decoction 

 is alterative. The syrup and compound syrup are 

 good vehicles for drugs such as the iodides, bromides, 

 and soluble salts of mercury. 



SCAMMONIUM 



SCAMMONY, a gum resin from Convolvulus Scam- 

 monium. Official in the TJ. S. and a few other 

 countries. Both scammony and jalap yield com- 

 plex mixtures of resins which have not been definitely 

 defined. 



Scammony is a rapid and energetic hydrogogue 

 cathartic, irritant in over-doses; it stimulates the 

 liver and the intestinal glands. This drug is seldom 

 used alone, but it is an ingredient in several pur- 

 gative formulae. In proper combination it is 

 adapted to the treatment of obstinate constipation. 

 Its use in dropsy and as an anthelmintic is hardly 

 to be advised in view of the fact that we have better 

 and less irritating agents. The average dose is 4 

 grains, the resin 3 grains. 



SCILLA 



SQUILL, Urginea maratimea. Universally official, 

 as is also INDIAN SQUILL in Great Britain. 



