Syrupus Sarsaparillae Compositus (U. S. P.)—Compound Syrup of Sarsaparilla.

Related entries: Sarsaparilla (U. S. P.)—Sarsaparilla

SYNONYM: Syrupus sudorificus.

Preparation.—"Fluid extract of sarsaparilla, two hundred cubic centimeters (200 Cc.) [6 fl℥, 366♏]; fluid extract of glycyrrhiza, fifteen cubic centimeters (15 Cc.) [243♏]; fluid extract of senna, fifteen cubic centimeters (15 Cc.) [243♏]; sugar, six hundred and fifty grammes (650 Gm.) [1 lb. av., 6 ozs., 406 grs.]; oil of sassafras, one-tenth cubic centimeter (0.1 Cc.) [1.6♏]; oil of anise, one-tenth cubic centimeter (0.1 Cc.) [1.6♏]; oil of gaultheria, one-tenth cubic centimeter (0.1 Cc.) [1. 6♏]; water, a sufficient quantity to make one thousand cubic centimeters (1000 Cc.) [33 fl℥, 391♏]. Add the oils (equivalent to about 2 drops, each) to the mixed fluid extracts, and shake the liquid thoroughly. Then add enough water to make up the volume to six hundred cubic centimeters (600 Cc.) [20 fl℥, 138♏], and mix well. Set the mixture aside for 1 hour, then filter it. Dissolve the sugar in the filtrate with the aid of a gentle heat, allow the liquid to cool, strain, and add enough water, through the strainer, to make the product measure one thousand cubic centimeters (1000 Cc.) [33 fl℥, 391♏]. Mix thoroughly"—(U. S. P.).

History.—This syrup differs from that of 1880 in not containing guaiac and rose petals, and in the introduction of aromatic oils. The original preparation (1820) was patterned after the celebrated French preparation, known as Sirop de Cuisinier, which was a sweetened infusion of sarsaparilla, senna, pale rose, anise, and borage flowers.

Action, Medical Uses, and Dosage.—A vehicle for potassium iodide, etc. Used, but probably valueless, in syphilis. Dose, ½ fluid ounce.


King's American Dispensatory, 1898, was written by Harvey Wickes Felter, M.D., and John Uri Lloyd, Phr. M., Ph. D.