JALAP. —Jalap (Jalapa, U. S. P.), named from Jalapa; a city of Mexico, is the dried tuberous root of the poincea Jalapa (Exogonimn pur g a or I ponuca purg a), one of the C onvolvulacew, which is indigenous to Mexico. The root has a peculiar smoky odor, and an acrid, sweetish, and nauseous taste. As seen in the shops, it is usually in a yellowish gray powder. The active principle of jalap is found in a double resin in amounts varying. from 12 to 18 per cent., which is divisible into two portions: one (convolvulin) of which is hard and in soluble in ether, but soluble in alcohol and chloroform and partly soluble in water; the other (jalapin) is soft and soluble in ether and alcohol. Both are active purges, but convolvulin is more potent (dose, 1 to 3 grains) than jalapin (dose, 2 to 5 grains). Jalap also contains about 18 per cent. each of starch and sugar. According to Poleck, jalapin is a resinous glucoside, separable by the action of hydrochloric acid into sugar and jalapinolic acid, and identical with searnmonin.
Preparations and Doses.—Jalapa, 10 to 30 grains.
Extract= jalapm, 2 to 5 grains.
Pulvis jalaime compositus (jalap, 35; cream of tartar, 65 parts), 10 to 60 grains.
Resina jalapte, 2 to 5 grains.
Physiological Action. — I3eyond the fact that jalap acts as a powerful hydra gogic cathartic, and that gastro-intes tinal irritation is produced by an over dose, little is known concerning the effects of this drug. It is also irritating when applied to the mucous membrane. According to Vulpian and Moreau, when applied to the exposed colon it gives rise to active peristaltic motion. Jalap passes into the milk of wet-nurses and purges their nurslings.
Poigoning by Ialap. — Jalap when taken in overdose acts as a simple irri tant poison to the alimentary canal, the symptoms being copious watery stools, tormina, and tenesmus. The treatment of poisoning consists in the evacuation of the retained jalap by the stomach pump and the use of demulcent drinks.
Therapeutics. —Jalap usecl prin cipally as an hydragogic purge to relieve dropsical effusions, anasarea, and ascites.
The resin, being the active constituent (containing both eonvulvulin and jala pin), should generally be preferred. As it is almost tasteless and the dose small, it may be readily given to children in doses of V, to 1/2 grain. Jalap is contra-indi cated in inflammatory states of the in testinal canal. Combined with calomel, it is probably the best purge in cases where the liver is torpid. The compound jalap powder is most often used as an hydragogic cathartic for dropsy, either of cardiac or renal origin. In pulmonary congestion and distended right heart with cyanosis, dyspncea, and so-called cardiac asthma, a teaspoonful of com pound jalap powder will give relief. In Inemorrhoids it does not cause irritation, but relieves them by emptying the ves sels above, and clearing out the liver.
JAMBUL.—Jambul is a tree that grows in most tropical climates, and be longs to the Myrtacem. It is the Eugenia jambolana of Lanik or the S yzy g bon jam bolana of de Candalle. From the fruits, by alcoholic fermentation, a liquor is ob tained, the jambara of the IIindoos. This liquor, allowed to acidify, turns into a vinegar, of an agreeable taste, and is extensively used by them as a stomachic, carminative, and diuretic.
Three varieties of jambill grow in India, and the ripe fruit can be eaten in season; at other times the fruit pre served in spirit can be employed. The powdered seed in doses of about 5 to 10 :r3u s three tinicss a day is recommended a Nen e!ree tiN es means of t ..n. _1 \illegal- of a light-pink color can pre pared 14 exposing the juice of the r.I. • fru:t. contained in porcelain vessels, to the heat of the sun: after the juice has tilted IO ferment it is filtered and a„..ain set in a warm place for a fortnight, w n it is ready for use. The best form is either the whole fruit preserved in cohol, the powdered seed. or a fluid tract of the seeds. The pulp of the dried fruit is believed to be almost worthless.