113 PUNICA GRANATUM 



a large amount of mannite. An acrid uncrystallizable principle 

 called punicin has also been indicated as a constituent by Bighini; 

 but some recent observers believe that this is only mannite. An 

 infusion of the bark yields a deep blackish-blue precipitate with the 

 solution of a persalt of iron ; and its inner surface when moistened 

 with water, and rubbed on paper, leaves a yellow stain, which, by 

 the contact of sulphate of iron, becomes deep blue. 



Adulterations and Substitutions. Box bark and barberry bark 

 are said to be sometimes substituted for, or mixed with, pome- 

 granate root bark ; but they may be readily distinguished from it 

 by their infusions not being affected by the persalts of iron like 

 that of pomegranate root bark. They have also an evident bitter 

 taste which is not the case with pomegranate root bark. 



The bark of the stem or branches is also frequently mixed with, 

 or substituted for, the root bark ; this may be readily distinguished 

 by its less corky character. The stem bark is commonly regarded 

 as less active than that of the root ; but we have no record of 

 experiments proving this. 



Medical Properties and Uses. The root bark has been occa- 

 sionally used from a very early period as a vermifuge, for among 

 other ancient writers, Celsus, Dioscorides, and Pliny, all refer to 

 its value in this respect ; but it was unknown in modern practice 

 till it was again recommended for use by Drs. Buchanan, Anderson, 

 Fleming, and others. Waring says it is very effectual for the destruc- 

 tion of tapeworm, and for this purpose he recommends the official 

 decoction to be taken fasting ; and to be followed by an aperient. 

 The fresh root bark is used in India, and is commonly preferred ; 

 but Dr. De Vrij and others say that all real root bark, fresh or 

 dried, and wherever collected, is efficacious. In this country the 

 extract of male fern is generally regarded as a more efficacious 

 remedy for the expulsion of tapeworm than pomegranate root 

 bark. The bark is also sometimes used in chronic diarrhoea and 

 dysentery. 



2. GrKANATi COETEX, or GrRANATi FsuCTUS CORTEX. Pomegranate 

 Rind. General Characters and Composition. The dried rind is 

 in irregular, more or less arched, hard, brittle fragments, some of 



