Mylabris, I.C.A. Mylabris.
Related entry: Cantharis
Mylabris is the dried beetle, Mylabris phalerata, Pallas (Order Coleoptera), which is abundant in China and Eastern India. The beetles are about 25 millimetres long and 9 millimetres broad; wing-cases black, with three broad, wavy, orange-yellow bands, which, when examined under a lens, are seen to bear black bristly hairs. The odour is disagreeable. M. Cichorii, which is often present in the drug, is smaller, and has brighter yellow bands, covered with a yellow downy pubescence, the hairs on the back part being black.
Constituents.—The chief constituent of mylabris is from 1 to 1.2 per cent. of cantharidin. The beetles also contain fat and an odorous principle.
Action and Uses.—Mylabris is official in India and the African and Eastern Colonies, for use instead of cantharides, but other species of the genus Mylabris may be employed, provided the proportion of cantharidin yielded is equivalent to that contained in M. phalerata.
PREPARATIONS.
- Acetum Mylabridis, I.C.A.—VINEGAR OF MYLABRIS.
- Mylabris, bruised, 10; equal parts of glacial acetic acid and distilled water, sufficient to produce 100. Extract the mylabris by maceration and subsequent percolation with glacial acetic acid mixed with an equal volume of distilled water. Vinegar of mylabris has the same action as Acetum Cantharidis. This preparation is used in India and the African and Eastern Colonies as a substitute for Acetum Cantharidis.
- Emplastrum Calefaciens Mylabridis, I.C.A.—WARMING PLASTER OF MYLABRIS.
- Mylabris, in coarse powder, 4; yellow beeswax, 4; resin, 4; resin plaster, 52; soap plaster, 32; distilled water, boiling, 20. Proceed as in the case of Emplastrum Calefaciens. The proportion of resin and of yellow beeswax may be altered to meet the exigencies of climate. This plaster is used in India, the African Colonies, and the Eastern Colonies, as a substitute for Emplastrum Calefaciens.
- Emplastrum Mylabridis, I.C.A.—MYLABRIS PLASTER.
- Mylabris, in powder, 35; yellow beeswax, 20; lard or prepared suet, 20 resin, 20; soap plaster, 5. Proceed as in the case of Emplastrum Cantharidis. Mylabris plaster is official in India, the African Colonies, and the Eastern Colonies, as a substitute for cantharides plaster.
- Liquor Epispasticus Mylabridis, I.C.A.—BLISTERING LIQUID OF MYLABRIS.
- Mylabris, in No. 20 powder, 50; acetic ether, sufficient to produce 100. Blistering liquid of mylabris is prepared in the same way as Liquor Epispasticus. This blistering liquid is official in India and the African and Eastern Colonies, where it is employed for the same purposes as blistering liquid prepared with cantharides.
- Unguentum Mylabridis, I.C.A.—MYLABRIS OINTMENT.
- Mylabris, bruised, 10; benzoated lard or suet, 100. Digest the mylabris in the previously melted lard (or suet), at a temperature of about 49°, for twelve hours; then strain through calico, gently press the residue, and stir till cold. Mylabris ointment is official in India, the African Colonies, and the Eastern Colonies, in place of Unguentum Cantharidis; the basis may be modified to meet the exigencies of climate, and suet must be employed in place of lard where caste prejudices render the use of the latter objectionable.
