“A general and special tonic, antispasmodic and invigorating cordial.”
While the company directs the attention of physicians to the “well-known, therapeutical effects of each individual constituent” of Dioviburnia, there is in reality little positive evidence regarding the action of any of the drugs contained in the nostrum. Most writers on materia medica do not even mention these drugs and the few who do discuss them, either question or deny their medicinal value. But if every drug claimed to be present in Dioviburnia had some actual demonstrated therapeutic properties, it still would be impossible to predict the action of such a combination in the many and varied conditions for which it is exploited. Certainly there is no warrant for such statements as:
“In Painful Dysmenorrhea [sic] Dioviburnia is especially indicated, and its continued use will invariably give relief.”
“In cases of Leucorrhea of long standing, Dioviburnia, together with local treatment, invariably gives relief.”
“Dioviburnia is efficient in cases of subinvolution; it cures by its tonic effects ...”
The effects of the drugs alleged to be present in Dioviburnia are not such as to justify the hope of either “cure” or “invariable relief.” In a way the Dios Chemical Company seems to recognize the inefficiency of Dioviburnia since it frequently suggests that it be used in combination with drugs of known value; but it ascribes all favorable results to its own product:
“In chronic constipation fluid extract of cascara sagrada aromatic may be combined with Dioviburnia.”
“In cases of habitual abortion, depending on syphilitic taint, a prescription containing the following should be used during the entire pregnancy:
| ℞ “Hydrarg. Chlor. Corros | gr. | 1 |
| “Potass. Iodid | dram | 1 |
| “Dioviburnia | ounces | 16” |
“An Anemic or Chlorotic patient, suffering with absence of the menstrual flow, should take DIOVIBURNIA combined with Iron.”