Extractum Rhamni Purshianae Fluidum (U. S. P.)—Fluid Extract of Rhamnus Purshiana.
Related entries: Rhamnus Purshiana (U. S. P.)—Cascara Sagrada - Extract of Cascara Sagrada
SYNONYM: Fluid extract of cascara sagrada.
Preparation.—"Rhamnus purshiana, in No. 60 powder, one thousand grammes (1000 Gm.) [2 lbs. av., 3 ozs., 120grs.]; diluted alcohol, a sufficient quantity to make one thousand cubic centimeters (1000 Cc.) [33 fl℥, 391♏︎]. Moisten the powder with four hundred cubic centimeters (400 Cc.) [13 fl℥, 252♏︎] of diluted alcohol, and pack it firmly in a cylindrical percolator; then add enough diluted alcohol 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 diluted alcohol, until the rhamnus purshiana is exhausted. Reserve the first eight hundred cubic centimeters (800 Cc.) [27 fl℥, 25♏︎] of the percolate, and evaporate the remainder to a soft extract; dissolve this in the reserved portion, and add enough diluted alcohol to make the fluid extract measure one thousand cubic centimeters (1000 Cc.) [33 fl℥, 391♏︎]"—(U. S. P.).
Description, Medical Uses, and Dosage.—Fluid extract of Rhamnus purshiana is dark yellowish-red in color, almost odorless, of a disagreeable bitter taste, and, as thus prepared, represents very nearly the quality of drug employed, troy ounce to each fluid ounce of the finished extract. This preparation, now made official for the first time, is extensively used as a remedy for habitual constipation. It was introduced through the efforts of Parke, Davis & Co., who gave it great conspicuity and liberal advertisements. The drug was first mentioned by Dr. Bundy, but the conspicuity of the fluid extract is clearly to be credited to this energetic firm. Dose, 10 to 45 minims.
