REMARKS  ON  SENNA  PASTE. 
547 
BEMARKS  ON  SENNA  PASTE. 
Ca?nhridgeport,  (Mass.,)  Aug.  29,  1 857. 
To  tne  Editor  of  the  Journal  of  Pharmacy  : — 
Dear  Sir, — Some  months  ago  I  was  led  to  consider  the  ex- 
pediency of  forming  a  senna  paste,  which  should  be  stronger, 
more  agreeable,  and  of  milder  operation  than  the  officinal  senna 
confection  ;  and  at  the  request  of  an  acquaintance,  I  made  some 
experiments  with  reference  to  that  object.  The  idea  was  origi- 
nally suggested  from  noticing  the  kindly  effects  of  the  fluid  ex- 
tract of  senna  when  made  from  the  cold  infusion,  and  the  main 
difference  between  the  proposed  aromatic  paste  and  the  confec- 
tion consisted  in  the  use  of  the  solid  aqueous  extract  of  senna 
instead  of  the  powdered  leaves. 
In  proposing  a  formula  for  such  a  preparation,  it  should  be 
borne  in  mind,  that  the  cathartic  principle  is  to  be  increased  and 
somewhat  modified  in  its  action,  the  paste  is  to  be  of  firmer  con- 
sistence than  the  confection,  and  the  taste  is  to  be  improved. 
The  first  would  be  gained  by  using  a  sufficient  quantity  of  solid 
extract  of  senna ;  the  second  by  using  an  extract  made  from  the 
cold  infusion ;  the  third  by  adding  gum  arabic  and  perhaps  pow- 
dered liquorice  root,  and  the  fourth  by  adding  flavoring  oils  or 
spices,  or  both. 
The  following  formula  may  serve  as  a  guide  to  any  one  disposed 
to  follow  up  the  subject. 
Take  of  Tamarinds, 
Prunes, 
Figs, 
Solid  Aqueous  Ex.  Senna,  each    .       .        i  lb. 
Gum  Arabic,  Sugar,  each     ...        1  lb. 
Pulv.  Liquorice  root,    .       .       .       .        4  oz. 
Pulv.  Coriander,  ....        2  oz. 
Fresh  Oil  Caraway,  ....  1  dr. 
Boil  the  figs,  prunes  and  tamarinds  in  water,  and  rub  through 
a  coarse  seive,  allowing  the  seeds  of  the  figs  to  pass.  Dissolve 
the  sugar  and  gum  in  as  little  water  as  possible  and  strain.  Add 
this  product  to  the  fruity  pulp,  and  evaporate  to  a  dense  consist- 
ence. Add  the  extract,  previously  softened  by  a  gentle  heat, 
and  stir  until  well  mixed.   Then  add  the  liquorice  root,  and  when 
