482 POWDERED VEGETABLE DRUGS 



178. (Fig. 171.) SASSAFRAS. Sassafras. U. S. 

 Fl. ex. 60. 



Sassafrasrinde, G. Ecorce de sassafras, Fr. 



The root bark (peeled) or Sassafras officinalis Nees, Lauracese. 



Bright reddish brown. 



Very fragrantly aromatic; recalling star anise. 



Sweetish, pungent, bitter, astringent. 



Some of the outer cork cells with bright red brownish contents. 

 Inner bark parenchyma cells thin- walled, containing rather small 

 compound starch granules, with very distinct hili, and many of them 

 fat and oil. Thick-walled, comparatively short, porous bast cells. 

 Sclerenchyma cells varying in size, form and thickness of walls. 



Ash 10 per cent. 



Adulteration infrequent. Bark may be gathered out of season 

 and may contain an excess of adhering wood. 



