Medicinal Uses of Ipecacuan. It is unquestionably the most valuable of the vegetable emetics, and in cases where the stomach is irritable it is to be preferred to Tartarized Antimony, and it is also less liable to act upon the bowels. In the form of decoction (made by boiling three drachms of the bruised root in a quart of water down to a pint) it has been found serviceable as an enema in Dysentery, and internal piles. Incompatible Substances. All vegetable astringents, as infusion of galls, &c. vegetable acids, especially the acetic, weaken its power; Dr. Irvine found that grs. xxx, administered in f℥ij of vinegar, produced only some loose stools. Forms of Exhibition. The form of powder is most energetic, although the vinous solution is both active and convenient. Dose. The medicinal operation of this substance varies with its dose, thus grs. x to ʒss act as an emetic; (Form: 65,) grs. j to ij, as an expectorant, (Form: 134, 138,)and in still smaller doses it proves stomachic and diaphoretic; by combination with opium, this latter quality becomes more powerful, (Form: 28, 130.) The primary effect of this medicine is that of stimulating the stomach, and it is equally obvious that its secondary ones depend on the numerous sympathies of other parts with the organs of digestion. The action of this remedy upon the pulmonary organs is extremely interesting; it would seem that in certain conditions of these organs, attended with a dry, hard cough, it promotes expectoration, while in affections attended with an inordinate secretion of mucus, it as certainly represses it, and acts the part of an astringent. In dysentery, and chronic diarrhœa, its astringent power is also very decided. Form: 58. When combined with cathartics it aids and accelerates their operation; Form: 84. In Hemorrhage from the lungs and uterus, it is decidedly useful, when administered in such doses as to excite a slight degree of nausea, by which the force of the circulation is controlled; I have usually combined it, for such a purpose, with the Acetate of lead in Hæmopthysis; and Bergius relates a case of violent uterine hæmorrhage which was successfully treated by giving half a grain every half hour. In certain forms of Dyspepsia it proves highly beneficial, when administered as proposed by Daubenton, in doses just sufficient to excite a slight sensation of vermicular motion of the stomach, without carrying it to the point of nausea, which may be generally effected by half a grain three times a day. Its peculiar nauseous taste is completely covered by the addition of powdered Gum Arabic. Solubility. Alcohol takes up four parts in twenty of Ipecacuan; proof spirit six and a half; and boiling water rather more than eight parts; one pint of good sherry wine will dissolve about 100 grains; the alcoholic is more emetic than the aqueous solution; decoction destroys the emetic property of the root. Officinal Prep. Pulvis Ipecacuanhæ comp: L.E.D. Vinum Ipecac. L.E.D.[[545]] The powder is liable to become inert by exposure to air and light. The root is refractory, and is reduced to powder with difficulty, unless a few drops of oil, or an almond or two, be previously added. It is a curious fact that the effluvia of this root occasion in some persons the most distressing sensations of suffocation. I am acquainted with a lady, who is constantly seized with a violent dyspnœa, whenever the powder of Ipecacuan is brought into her presence. Adulterations. There are several varieties of Ipecacuan to be found in the market, which it is important to distinguish; viz. 1, The brown variety, which is the best, containing sixteen per cent. of emetin; 2, the grey variety, with fourteen per cent. of emetin; 3, the white variety, with only five of emetin. The two former varieties are those usually met with, being imported into this country in bales from Rio Janeiro; the brown is distinguished from the grey, in being more wrinkled; the white variety has no wrinkles whatever. We are informed by Decandolle that the genuine root is frequently mixed with those of violets, Apocynæ, Euphorbia, &c. It is also sometimes mixed with the roots of several species of Ionidum.
JALAPÆ RADIX. L.E.D. (Convolvulus Jalapa.)
Jalap.
Qualities. This root is pulverulent, furnishing a powder of a pale brownish yellow colour. Odour, peculiar; Taste, sweetish and slightly pungent. Chemical Composition. Resin, gum, extractive, fecula, lignin, and some salts. The combination of the three first principles appears requisite for the production of its full cathartic effect. The gum has been supposed to possess diuretic properties. Very lately a saline principle has been obtained from Jalap by Mr. Hume, jun.: but I am not aware that its medicinal properties have been ascertained. It is procured by macerating the powdered root for twelve or fourteen days in acetic acid, by which a solution is obtained, which must be filtered, and then saturated with ammonia; the mixture is to be shaken violently, when a sabulous deposit will take place, and a few crystals be collected on the sides of the vessel; both of these must be collected, and washed in distilled water; and then redissolved in concentrated acetic acid, and reprecipitated by ammonia added in excess. By which means, small white acicular crystals are thrown down, to which the name of Jalapine has been given. Solubility. Proof spirit is its appropriate menstruum. Med. Uses. It is a cathartic of a stimulating description, acting principally upon the colon, and, notwithstanding the tormina it may sometimes induce, it is no less safe than efficacious; as a hydragogue purgative it has been greatly extolled, but for such a purpose it will answer better in combination, as in Form. 73. Its action is said to be promoted by the addition of Ipecacuan, or tartarized antimony. (Form. 84.) In dropsy its union with super-tartrate of potass is calculated to promote its beneficial operation. Forms of Exhibition. That of powder is the most eligible, especially when combined with some other powdered substance: pulverization increases its activity, see Pulveres. Van Swieten advised it to be pulverised, and mixed with sugar, and a small quantity of some aromatic. The addition of Soap is supposed to render its operation much milder, and the Prussian Pharmacopœia contains a formula for such a combination, which is said to operate mildly and promptly. To this preparation the name Sapo Jalapinus[[546]] is given. Dose, grs. x to ʒss. Officinal Preparations. Pulv. Jalap. comp. E. Extract. Jalap. L.E.D. Tinct. Jalap. L.E.D. Tinct. Sennæ comp. E. (B). Adulterations. Briony root is sometimes mixed with that of jalap, but it may be easily distinguished by its paler colour and less compact texture; and by not easily burning at the flame of a candle. When the teredo has attacked it, it should be rejected.
JUGLANS CINEREA.
Butternut.
Cortex.
[The Butternut tree is to be found in almost every part of the United States. The inner bark is the part used in medicine. It yields, by analysis, a large quantity of soluble matter, principally of the extractive kind. Water extracts its virtues, and the Extract, which is the form in which it is employed, has long been known and used in this country as an excellent Cathartic. To obviate habitual costiveness, it is one of the best articles that can be used. By the addition of Calomel, its powers as an active Cathartic may be greatly increased. The proper season for gathering the bark for medicinal purposes is in the months of May and June. The dose of the Extract is from 10 to 30 grains.]
JUNIPERI BACCÆ ET CACUMINA. L.E.D.
(Juniperus Communis.)