574-575. Eupatorium.
574. Eupatorium, N. F.—Eupatorium. Boneset. Thoroughwort.
The dry leaves and flowering tops of Eupatorium perfolia'tum Linné.
DESCRIPTION OF DRUG.—As it appears in the market, the drug consists of broken, wrinkled fragments of the dark green leaves and corymbs of the numerous white florets. The leaves have a rough upper surface, and downy, resin-dotted lower surface. Odor faintly aromatic; taste strongly bitter and slightly astringent.
Powder.—Yellowish-green. Characteristic elements, sclerenchyma with bast fibers, thin-walled, very slightly or not at all lignified; ducts, spiral, annular, with bordered pits; trichomes, glandular and non-glandular present, 2- to 12-celled, of different shapes; stomata present; pollen, ellipsoidal (10 to 20 µ diam.); pappus, multicellular axis, unicellular branches.
CONSTITUENTS.—A peculiar, bitter, crystallizable glucoside (eupatorin), soluble in boiling water, alcohol, other, and chloroform; resin, gum, tannin, and an undetermined wax-like, crystalline matter.
ACTION AND USES.—Stimulant and tonic, in large doses emetic and cathartic, and as a diaphoretic often used in warding off a cold and in fevers. Dose: 30 to 60 gr. (2 to 4 Gm.), in infusion, powder, or fluidextract, which was formerly official.
575. EUPATORIUM PURPUREUM Linné.—QUEEN OF THE MEADOW. GRAVEL ROOT. The leaves and root of this indigenous plant are an excellent diuretic. Also tonic, stimulant, and somewhat astringent. Dose: 30 to 60 gr. (2 to 4 Gm.).
