THE  AMERICAN 
JOURNAL  OF  PHARMACY. 
NOVEMBER,  1888. 
EMULSION  OF  OIL  OF  CHENOPODIUM. 
By  Harry  Joseph  Meyers,  Ph.  G. 
Abstract  from  a  Thesis. 
The  volatile  oil  distilled  from  chenopodium,  U.  S.  P.,  is  well  known 
to  possess  both  a  characteristic  odor  and  taste.  The  anthelmintic 
properties  which  render  this  oil  valuable,  confine  its  use  to  the  relief  of 
children  requiring  such  medication.  The  use  of  capsules  for 
dispensing  this  oil  not  being  adapted  for  children  the  question 
arises — how  can  this  remedy  be  disguised,  both  in  odor  and  taste, 
so  that  a  practicable  and  palatable  preparation  can  be  dispensed. 
The  form  of  an  emulsion  would  appear  to  offer  the  best  means  for 
administration,  and  a  number  of  experiments  were  made. 
Oil  of  chenopodium  has  three  distinct  features  in  its  taste,  each  of 
which  is  objectionable  and  which  must  be  disguised  or  ameliorated. 
The  most  repulsive  of  these  is  the  nauseous  effect  produced ;  not  less 
offensive  is  the  bitterness  developed ;  combined  with  them  is  a  sharp 
pungency  which  has  an  irritating  action  on  the  throat.  A  basic  emul- 
sion was  prepared  and  flavoring  drugs  were  incorporated  with  it. 
The  teaspoonful  dose  contains  about  four  drops  of  the  oil  of  cheno- 
podium, which  averages  135  drops  to  the  fluid  drachm. 
R  .  Oil  chenopodium   f^i. 
Expressed  oil  almond     f  ^  i v. 
Powdered  acacia   4  oz.  av. 
Water  q.  s.  ad   Oii. 
Mix  the  oils  thoroughly  in  a  dry  mortar,  add  the  acacia  gradually, 
rubbing  the  mixture  to  a  uniform  paste.  Then  add  the  bulk  of  the 
water,  and  agitate  rapidly  until  a  smooth  emulsion  is  formed.  Meas- 
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