494 POWDERED VEGETABLE DRUGS 



185. (Fig. 177.) SERPENTARIA. Serpentaria. U. S. 

 Fl. ex. 60. Tinct. 40. 



Virginia snakeroot, Serpentary root, E. Virginische Schlangen- 

 wurzel, G. Serpentaire de Virginie, Fr. 



The rhizomes and roots of Aristolochia Serpentaria L., Aris- 

 tolochiaceae. 



Grayish brown. 



Very strong odor of turpentine. 



Very pungent, bitterish. 



Some brown cork cells. Parenchyma cells more or less collenchy- 

 matous, filled with compound starch granules, hili irregularly fissured, 

 polarizing effects indistinct, the single granules measure from 6 to 

 10/i in diameter. Pith or central parenchyma cells thick-walled, porous. 

 Numerous rather short tracheids; porous to reticulate ducts with 

 greater portion of transverse septse still present. 



Ash about 9 per cent. 



Said to be adulterated with Spigelia marilandica, Aristolochia 

 Serpentaria var. hastata, Cypripedium pubescens, C. parviflorum, Pale- 

 monium reptans and Panax quinquefolium. 



