Oleoresina Aspidii (U. S. P.)—Oleoresin of Aspidium.
Related entry: Aspidium (U. S. P.)—Aspidium
SYNONYMS: Oleoresin of male fern, Liquid extract of male fern, Oleum filicis maris, Oleoresina filicis, Extractum filicis liquidum, Oleoresin of fern, Ethereal extract of fern.
Preparation.—"Aspidium, recently reduced to No. 60 powder, five hundred grammes (500 Gm.) [1 lb. av., 1 oz., 279 grs.]; ether, a sufficient quantity. Put the aspidium into a cylindrical glass percolator, provided with a stop-cock, and arranged with cover and receptacle suitable for volatile liquids. Press the drug firmly, and percolate slowly with ether, added in successive portions until the drug is exhausted. Recover the greater part of the ether from the percolate by distillation on a water-bath, and, having transferred the residue to a capsule, allow the remaining ether to evaporate spontaneously. Keep the oleoresin in a well-stoppered bottle. Note.—Oleoresin of aspidium usually deposits on standing, a granular-crystalline substance. This should be thoroughly mixed with the liquid portion before use"—(U. S. P.).
Or, by percolation, exhaust coarsely powdered root of male fern, any quantity, with ether, a sufficient quantity. Distill off three-fourths of the ether, and, having placed the remainder of the solution in an evaporating dish, allow it to evaporate spontaneously.
Description.—A thick, deep-green or brownish-green liquid, having a bitterish, nauseous, subacrid taste, and the odor of male fern. On standing it deposits filicic acid in granules, hence the above pharmacopoeial direction to shake the oleoresin before use. Only such parts of the rhizomes as are greenish in color should be employed in making this oleoresin; the rhizome with the stipes gives a brown product.
Action, Medical Uses, and Dosage.—This may be used in all cases where male fern is indicated, for which see Aspidium. Six grains in capsule, with or without a like quantity of ether, may be given every quarter hour until 1 ½ or 2 drachms have been taken.
