Aletridis Rhizoma. Aletris Rhizome.
Synonyms.—Colic Root; Starwort.
Aletris rhizome is obtained from Aletris farinosa, Linn. (N.O. Haemodoraceae), a small herb growing in the United States. The rhizome is collected after the plant has flowered. It ranges from 1 to 3 centimetres in length and 3 to 9 millimetres in thickness. The upper surface is more or less densely covered with the fibrous remains of radical leaves, the under surface bears short, wiry rootlets or scars, where these have been broken off. It is pale brown in colour externally, straw coloured and paler internally. It breaks with a short fracture, the fractured surface being dense and waxy in the outer portion, but lacunous in the centre. It has a slight odour and a somewhat acrid bitter taste.
Constituent.—The chief constituent of the rhizome is a bitter principle, the nature of which has not yet been ascertained.
Uses.—Aletris rhizome is used in the form of elixir and liquid extract as a so-called uterine tonic. It has also been recommended as of service in chronic rheumatism and in dropsical conditions.
PREPARATIONS.
Compound Solution of Caulophyllum and Pulsatilla.
- Elixir Aletridis, B.P.C.—ELIXIR OF ALETRIS.
- Liquid extract of aletris, 1, with liquid extract of liquorice, simple elixir, and distilled water, to 4. Dose.—2 to 4 mils (½ to 1 fluid drachm).
- Extractum Aletridis Liquidum, B.P.C.—LIQUID EXTRACT OF ALETRIS. 1 in 1.
- Dose.—3 to 10 decimils (0.3 to 1 milliliters) (5 to 15 minims).
