17 PODOPHYLLUM PELTATUM 



under the incorrect name of Podophyllin. It is contained in the 

 proportion of 3J to 5 per cent, in both the rhizome and rootlets. 

 The best solvent of the resin is alcohol, and hence rectified 

 spirit or alcohol is directed to be used in its preparation in the 

 British Pharmacopoeia, in the Pharmacopoeia of India, and in the 

 Pharmacopoeia of the United States. As prepared, according 

 to the directions of the British Pharmacopoeia, it is a pale 

 brownish-green amorphous powder, with an acrid bitter taste. 

 It is entirely soluble in rectified spirit and in ammonia. It is 

 precipitated from the former solution by water, and from the 

 latter by acids. It is only partially soluble in ether. 



Medical Properties and Uses. Both the rhizome and the resin 

 have been long held in high esteem in the United States as efficient, 

 hydragogue cathartics ; and in small doses frequently repeated, as 

 alteratives. The rhizome is, however, but now little employed, 

 all its essential properties being concentrated in the official resin, 

 which is by far the best form of administering this drug, and the 

 one now generally in use. Many American physicians consider 

 that they can use the resin in all cases with perfect safety and 

 confidence where mercury is indicated, as they say it produces all 

 the good, and none of the evil effects of mercurial preparations ; 

 hence, it has received the name of " Vegetable Calomel." The 

 griping effects which are often produced by its use may be 

 prevented by combining with it small doses of extract of henbane. 

 As it is sometimes very uncertain in its action, it is better to 

 prescribe it in combination with other purgatives, more especially 

 aloes or colocynth. It has been largely used in constipation, and 

 in affections of the liver generally, but more especially in conges- 

 tion of that organ. It is also frequently employed in combination 

 with acid tartrate of potash in dropsies ; and in various rheumatic, 

 scrofulous, and syphilitic affections it has been used with advan- 

 tage. In small frequently repeated doses the resin has also been 

 recommended as an alterative in bronchitic and pulmonary affec- 

 tions. Externally applied the resin of podophylluni acts as a 

 powerful irritant, and in America it has on this account been 

 used, when dissolved in alcohol, as a counter irritant. 



