Extractum Colocynthidis Compositum. U. S., Br. Compound Extract of Colocynth.
Ext. Colocynth. Co. [Powdered Compound Extract of Colocynth]
Related entries: Colocynth - Aloe - Resin of Scammony
Estrait de Coloquinte compose, Fr.; Zusammengesetztes Koloquintenextrakt, G.
"Extract of Colocynth, one hundred and sixty grammes [or 5 ounces av., 282 grains]; Aloes, five hundred grammes [or 17 ounces av., 279 grains]; Cardamom Seed, in No. 60 powder, fifty grammes [or 1 ounce av., 334 grains]; Resin of Scammony, in No 60 powder, one hundred and forty grammes [or 4 ounces av., 411 grains]; Soap, dried and in powder, one hundred and fifty grammes [or 5 ounces av., 127 grains], to make one thousand grammes [or 35 ounces av., 120 grains]. Triturate the ingredients until the product is reduced to a No. 60 powder. Pass the Extract through a fine sieve, transfer it to small, wide-mouthed bottles and stopper them tightly." U. S.
"Colocynth Pulp, 150 grammes; Extract of Aloes, 300 grammes; Scammony Resin, 100 grammes; Curd Soap, in powder, 75 grammes; Cardamom Seeds, in powder, 25 grammes; Alcohol (60 per cent.), 4000 millilitres. Macerate the Colocynth Pulp in the Alcohol for four days; press out the tincture; recover the alcohol by distillation; evaporate to dryness; add the Extract of Aloes, Scammony Resin, and powdered Cardamom Seeds; powder; mix the powder with the Curd Soap." Br.
The Br. Pharm. (1914) directs Extract of Aloes instead of Barbados Aloes, and decreased the proportion of soap from four to three ounces. The object of the soap is to improve the consistence of the mass, which, when hardened by time, it renders more soluble in the gastric juices. It may possibly also serve the purpose of modifying the action of the aloes. In the U. S. process the extract is in the form of powder, which is very convenient for admixture with other substances; while if given uncombined, it may be readily made into pills by suitable additions. The alternative of using the scammony or its resin, in the first British formula, which appeared to us very objectionable, has been abandoned in the present edition, and the resin only directed. The plan of having the powders simply mixed was liable to the objection that the mixture was not likely to be so thoroughly effected as to obtain a uniform result, and hence the U. S. Pharm., 1880, adopted Squibb's suggestion, to melt together all the ingredients unpowdered, except the cardamom, add a little alcohol, and, when the mixture is thoroughly made, to stir in the powdered aromatic, and finally to reduce the whole to a fine powder. The U. S. P. IX, however, relies upon trituration as an assurance of thorough commingling.
This extract is an energetic and safe cathartic, possessing the activity of its three purgative ingredients, with comparatively little of the drastic character of the colocynth and scammony. It may be still further and advantageously modified by combination with rhubarb, jalap, calomel, etc., with one or more of which it is often united in prescription.
Dose, as a laxative, one to two grains (0.065-0.13 Gm.); as a purgative, five to ten grains (0.32-0.65 Gm.).
Off. Prep.—Pilulae Catharticae Compositae, U. S.; Pilulae Catharticae Vegetabiles, N. F.; Pilulae Antidyspepticae, N. F.; Pilulae Colocynthidis et Podophylli, N. F.; Pilulae Laxativae Post Partum, N. F.
