Convolvulus.

The root of Convolvulus panduratus.—U. S.

Preparations.—The powdered root. A tincture. A hydro-alcoholic extract.

Dose.—Of the powder, grs. xx. to ʒss. Of the tincture, gtt. v. to gtt. xx. Of the extract, gr. j. to grs. v.

Therapeutic Action.—The Convolvulus Panduratus is a mild and very feeble cathartic, said by some to resemble Jalap, scammony, or rhubarb in its action, and to be used as substitute for those agents. It is, however, too feeble as a cathartic to permit such a comparison. It may be used as a gentle cathartic, or rather laxative, with some advantage. The root loses much of its medicinal activity by drying. The extract of the fresh root is said, by those who have used it, to be a very pleasant and effective agent.

It is also diuretic and pectoral. As a diuretic it is found useful in dropsy, calculous affections, in irritation of the urinary organs, strangury, etc. Dr. Harris, of New Jersey, found it beneficial in calculus of his own person. Others speak favorably of it in the same, and also in other diseases of the urinary organs. It is spoken of as a "pectoral" in coughs, colds, pains in the chest, asthma, consumption, etc. It may be administered in substance, extract, decoction, or syrup. In conghs it may be combined with skunk-cabbage.

The American Eclectic Materia Medica and Therapeutics, 1898, was written by John M. Scudder, M.D.