LABORATORY REPORT
The composition of Iodia is given thus:
“Formula.—Iodia is a combination of active principles obtained from the green roots of Stillingia, Helonias, Saxifraga, Menispermum and aromatics. Each fluid drachm also contains two and one-half grains Iod.-Potas. and one and one-half grains Phos.-Iron.”
We are told that:
“Its several ingredients are selected with scrupulous care, and the most exacting methods are constantly employed to insure absolute uniformity and maximum therapeutic potency.”
This “formula” is an absurdity: First, the amounts of the “active principles” of the plants named are not given; second, these “principles,” with the possible exception of menispermum alkaloids, have not been isolated; and, third, ferric phosphate and potassium iodid are incompatible! Incidentally, there are no methods whereby it is possible to secure “absolute uniformity” of a mixture such as Iodia is claimed to be.
Qualitative tests demonstrated the absence of iron and the absence of all but traces of phosphorus compounds (0.015 gm. phosphorus per 100 c.c.). Minute traces of alkaloids, possibly from menispermum, were found (that amount being about 0.004 gm. per hundred c.c. of the preparation). Therapeutically this quantity is entirely negligible. Determinations of iodid demonstrated the presence of only about 60 per cent. of the amount of potassium iodid claimed. The “formula” for Iodia is false and misleading.[55]
DANGEROUS RECOMMENDATIONS
One of the Iodia labels reads:
“Indications.—Syphilitic, scrofulous and cutaneous diseases, dysmenorrhea, menorrhagia, leucorrhea, amenorrhea, impaired vitality, habitual abortion and general uterine debility.”