CHRYSAROBIN 577 



One or two drops of tlie tincture of rhubarb in the 

 drinking water form a serviceable laxative for small birds. 



OHRYSAROBiNtiM. Chrysarobin. (U. S. & B. P.) 



Synonym. — Goa powder, araroba powder. 



A neutral principle, in its commercial, more or less 

 impure form, extracted from Goa Powder, a substance found 

 deposited in the wood of Andira Araroba Aguiar (nat. ord. 

 Leguminosse). 



Habitat. — Brazil. 



Properties. — A pale orange-yellow, microcrystalline 

 powder, odorless and tasteless ; turning brownish-yellow on 

 exposure to the air. Very slightly soluble in cold water or 

 alcohol. Soluble in solutions of alkalies. 



Constituents. — Chiefly chrysarobin (OajHaoO^,) — also 

 called rhein and chrysophan, — an orange-yellow, crystalline 

 glucoside, somewhat soluble in alcohol and ether; freely 

 soluble in chloroform and benzol. It is oxidized into chry- 

 sophanic acid (CigHuOJ, and glucose. 



PREPARATION. 



Ungnentum Chrysardbini. Chrysarobin Ointment. (TJ. S. & B. P.) 

 Chrysarobin, 6 ; benzoinated lard, 95. (U. S.) 



Action and Uses. — Chrysarobin is a powerful irritant to 

 the skin and destroys parasites. It stains the skin and other 

 materials dark brown. This may be removed, unless fixed 

 by an alkali, with' a weak solution of chlorinated lime or 

 caustic soda. Chrysarobin is also a strong irritant in the 

 gastro-intestinal tract, causing vomiting and purging in 

 carnivora. It is eliminated by the kidneys, coloring the 

 urine yellow. 



Chrysarobin is used as a parasiticide in the treatment of 

 ringworm, and as a stimulant to the skin in chronic 

 cutaneous disorders, as eczema (with much itching and 

 scaling), and in alopecia areata. The official 5 per cent, 

 ointment should be diluted 2 or 3 times for delicate skins. 



Digitized by Microsoft® 



