230 POWDERED VEGETABLE DRUGS 



23. (Fig. 42.) ASPIDIUM. Aspidium. U. S. 

 Fl. ex. 60. 



Male fern, Male shield fern, E. Wurmfarn, Waldfarn, Johannes- 

 wurzel, G. Fouge>e male", Fr. 



The rhizomes and stipes of Dryopteris Filix-mas Schott, and 

 D. marginale Gray, Filices. 



Light greenish brown. Old material brown. 



Nearly odorless, recalling taraxacum. Old material has a heavy, 

 nauseating, rancid odor. 



Very astringent, sweetish, slightly bitter and pungent. 



Largely loosely united parenchyma cells with large simple elliptical 

 starch granules, with lamellations and hili very indistinct; numerous 

 large intercellular spaces with lemon colored resin; vascular tissue 

 typical of the fern group, rather large scalariform ducts; some cork 

 tissue ; the resin is of a bright yellowish lemon color. 



Ash 3 per cent. 



Powdered aspidium is frequently adulterated, the principal adulter- 

 ant being chaff and refuse. The rhizomes of foreign species are 

 frequently added. Clay, sand and dirt may be excessive. It is 

 readily attacked' by the usual drug parasites and the supply should 

 be carefully watched. The greenish coloration of the freshly powdered 

 article soon changes to yellowish brown. 



