Extractum Podophylli (U. S. P.)—Extract of Podophyllum.
Related entry: Podophyllum (U. S. P.)—Podophyllum - Fluid Extract of Podophyllum.
SYNONYMS: Extract of mandrake, Extract of May apple.
Preparation.—"Podophyllum, in No. 60 powder, one thousand grammes (1000 Gm.) [2 lbs. av., 3 ozs., 120 grs.]; alcohol, water, each, a sufficient quantity. Mix eight hundred cubic centimeters (800 Cc.) [27 fl℥, 25♏︎] of alcohol with two hundred cubic centimeters (200 Cc.) [6 fl℥, 366♏︎] of water, and, having moistened the powder with three hundred cubic centimeters (300 Cc.) [10 fl℥, 69♏︎] of the mixture, pack it firmly in a cylindrical percolator; then add enough menstruum to saturate the powder and leave a stratum above it. When the liquid begins to drop from the percolator, close the lower orifice, and, having closely covered the percolator, macerate for 48 hours. Then allow the percolation to proceed, gradually adding menstruum, using the same proportions of alcohol and water as before, until the podophyllum is exhausted. Distill off the alcohol from the tincture by means of a water-bath, and evaporate the residue, on a water-bath, to a pilular consistence"—(U. S. P.).
Description, Medical Uses, and Dosage.—This is a dark-brown extract. As an alterative, this may be given in doses of from ½ to 2 or 3 grains; as a purgative, from 3 to 12 grains. It may be used as a substitute for jalap in all cases where a purgative is required. Although not so active as an extract made with official alcohol, it is more useful.
