CUBEBS 131 



Microscopical Characters. Below the outer epidermis of the pericarp is 

 an interrupted layer consisting of one or two rows of thick- walled sclerenchy- 

 matous cells. Distributed in the thin-walled parenchyma of the mesocarp 

 are numerous large oil-cells. Within the inner epidermis of the pericarp is a 

 second, uninterrupted layer of one or two rows of very thick-walled, radially 

 elongated cells. The seed consists chiefly of perisperm, the cells of which are 

 packed with small starch grains. 



The student should observe 



(a} The slender stalk, which is not easily detached, 

 (6) The seed attached only by its base to the pericarp, 



(c) The characteristic odour and taste, 



(d) The reaction with sulphuric acid. 



Constituents. Cubebs yield from 10 to 18 per cent, of volatile 

 oil (sp. gr. 0-910 to 0-930 ; O.K. -25 to -40 ), which is contained 

 in oil-cells both in the pericarp and perisperm ; similar oil-cells are 

 contained also in the rachis, stem, leaves, &c., but the rachis, which 

 is frequently found mixed with the cubebs, yields only about 1-7 per 

 cent, of volatile oil. 



Cubebs contain further an indifferent substance, cubebin, an acid 

 resin, cubebic acid, and an indifferent resin. They afford about 

 6 (not over 8) per cent. of. ash and yield to ether about 22 (not less 

 than 20) per cent, of oleo-resin. 



Cubebin has been obtained in colourless crystals, yielding with sulphuric 

 acid a cherry-red colour ; it appears to be devoid of any remarkable physiological 

 action. 



Cubebic acid (0'96 per cent.) is white and amorphous ; it gives with sulphuric 

 acid a crimson colour, and together with the indifferent resin (2*5 per cent.) 

 produces purely diuretic effects. These two principles may therefore be re- 

 garded as active constituents of cubebs. 



Cubeb-camphor (C 15 H 24 ,H 2 O), found in old cubebs, is a crystalline but un- 

 stable hydrate of a sesquiterpene. 



Adulterations, &c. The exportation of cubebs has been subject 

 to considerable variation, and during times of scarcity the drug has 

 been liable to adulteration and substitution. Many other plants 

 belonging either to the same or to other natural orders produce 

 fruits resembling cubebs in appearance, a fact which has doubtless 

 facilitated sophistication. Genuine cubebs can, however, be easily 

 distinguished by the crimson colour they impart to sulphuric acid, 

 taken in conjunction with the anatomical characters of the pericarp 

 as above described. 



The fact that the fruits on the spike mature in succession from 

 base to apex necessitates the presence in the drug of some immature 

 fruits, but too many of these, which may be recognised by their small 

 size and shrivelled appearance, should not be present. Portions of 

 the rachis also find their way into the commercial drug ; they too 



