210. Amygdala dulcis.—Sweet Almond. 211. Oleum Amygdalae Expressum.—Expressed Oil of Almond Almond Oil.
The ripe seed of Pru'nus Amyg'dalus, var. Dulcis, De Candolle.
BOTANICAL CHARACTERISTICS.—Like Amygdala Amara, except that the style is much longer than the stamens, and the seed is sweet.
SOURCE.—Western Asia and Barbary; extensively cultivated in Southern Europe, Spain and Southern France chiefly supplying the market.
DESCRIPTION OF DRUG.—Closely resembles the bitter almond, but is somewhat larger, with more convex sides, and has a bland, sweetish taste, free from rancidity. When triturated with water, if forms a milk-white emulsion, free from the odor of hydrocyanic acid.
CONSTITUENTS.—Fixed oil from 50 to 55 per cent., nitrogenous compounds 25 per cent. (myrosin, vitellin, conglutin) precipitated by acetic acid, emulsin, mucilage, and sugar amounting to about 6 per cent. Ash, not exceeding 4 per cent.
ACTION AND USES.—Nutrient and demulcent; being free from starch, sweet almonds are often used as a diet in diabetes.
OFFICIAL PREPARATION.
Emulsum Amygdalae (6 per cent.), Dose: 2 to 8 fl, oz. (60 to 240 mils)
211. Oleum Amygdalae Expressum.—Expressed Oil of Almond Almond Oil.
A fixed oil expressed from Bitter or Sweet Almond.
DESCRIPTION.—A thin, clear, colorless or straw-colored liquid, with a mild, sweet taste and slight odor.
CONSTITUENTS.—Chiefly olein, with a slight quantity of palmitin.
ACTION AND USES.—Lenitive in pulmonary affections, in the form of emulsion. Dose: 1 to 4 fl dr. (4 to 15 mils),
OFFICIAL PREPARATION.
