BUCKTHORN (CASCARA).—The bark of the European buckthorn (1?ham nits frangula) and that of the Californian variety (R. purshiana), in spite of the interested claims of manufacturers, are practically identical in medicinal effect; if there is any superiority, it lies with Both require that the bark should be carefully gathered, dried, and allowed to lie for at least two years in order to get rid of a principle therein that is likely to induce griping.
The active (neutral) principle—"cas cara sagrada," the source of the Cali fornian bark—is supposed to be a gluco side, termed "cascarin," but this bap tism is entirely superfluous, since it is identical with the principle found in the European bark, known as frangulin and xanthin.
Physiological Action. — Buckthorn and cascara are laxative, slightly tonic, and stomachic. If both are prepared and administered in the same way, the results will be found to be identical.
Preparations and Doses. — Abstract buckthorn (or cascara), 2 to 15 grains.
Extract buckthorn (or cascara), 1 to 8 grains.
Extract buckthorn (or cascara), taste less, 1 to 8 grains.
Fluid extract buckthorn (or cascara), 3 to 45 minims.
Fluid extract buckthorn (or cascara), aromatic, 3 to 45 minims.
Cascara cordial, 1 to 4 drachms. Elixir buckthorn, V, to 2 drachms. Cascarin (or frangulin), concentration, 1 to 8 grains.
Therapeutics.—These preparations, to secure their best laxative effects, should be given half an hour after meals, and increased or diminished in dose, or re peated at lesser intervals, according to the action desired. In habitual consti pation the best results are obtained by giving small doses at frequent intervals, thereby securing a continuous impres sion on the digestive tract.