1 82 MATERIA MEDIC A AND THERAPEUTICS. 



Composition. Pareira root contains, amongst other ingre- 

 dients, an active principle, pelosin, believed to be identical 

 with beberia. 



Incompatibles. Persalts of iron, salts of lead, and tincture 

 of iodine. 



Preparations. 



1. Decoctum Pareirse. 1 in 13^. Dose, 1 to 2 fl.oz. 



2. Extractum Pareirse. Aqueous. 16 in 1. Dose, 10 to 20 gr. 



3. Extractum Pareirse Liquidum. 1 in 1. Dose, \ to 2 fl.dr. 



ACTION AND USES. 



The physiological action of Pareira is imperfectly known, 

 but it is believed to possess mild bitter and laxative effects, 

 and to be a moderately active diuretic. 



Empirically, it is used in inflammatory affections of the 

 urinary tract, from the pelvis of the kidney downwards, being 

 held to relieve pain, reduce irritation, and promote healing and 

 cessation of muco-purulent discharge. The extract is given 

 along with the decoction to increase its strength ; not alone. 



CoccuSus Indicus. (Not Officinal) The fruit 

 of Menispermum coccuius,. the Cocculus indicus plant. 

 From the 



Characters. A small dark brown berry containing a 

 yellowish reniform seed. 



Composition. The active principle of cocculus is a bitter 

 neutral substance, picrotoxine. C ? H ]0 4 , in colourless crystals, 

 neutral, soluble with difficulty in water. It is united with 

 menispermic or cocculinic acid, and other principles. 



Dose of Picrotoxin. T -|^ to -fa gr. 



ACTION AND USES. 



Externally, cocculus or picrotoxin, in the form of a dilute 

 ointment, very carefully applied to the unbroken surface, 

 destroys pediculi. 



Internally, picrotoxin is a very powerful agent, especially 

 stimulating the spinal cord and medulla, and causing violent 

 spasms of the flexors, and intoxication in large doses. It has 

 been chiefly used in the night- sweating of phthisis, and in 

 chronic nervous diseases. 



