CRUDE DRUGS. 461 



dies, each 2 to 3 mm. wide, and separated by distinct, concentric 

 zones of parenchyma and stone cells ; odor slight ; taste slightly 

 bitter. 



Constituents. — An alkaloid pelosine (cissampeline) about i 

 per cent., somewhat resembling beberine in bebeeru bark (Nec- 

 tandra Rodiai, one of the Lauracese) and buxine in box wood 

 {Buxus sempcrvirens, one of the Sapindacese) ; starch, tannin, 

 wax, ash 4 to 5 per cent. 



Fig. 199. Specimens of pareira showing the concentric rings of fibrovascular tissue. 



Substitutes. — Other roots are frequently substituted for gen- 

 uine pareira brava, which are no doubt derived from other meni- 

 spermaceous plants ; these roots are of a brownish color, possess 

 numerous concentric zones of fibrovascular bundles, and do not 

 liave a waxy luster when cut. 



False Pareira is obtained from a related species (Cissam- 

 pelos Pareira), growing in South America, West Indies and East 

 Indies. The root is somewhat flattened, externally dark brown, 

 internally yellowish-brown, free from the concentric zones of wood 

 bundles, and contains about 0.5 per cent, of pelosine. 



