Rhus Glabra. Rhus Glabra.
Synonym.—Sumach.
Rhus glabra consists of the dried fruit of the smooth, or Pennsylvanian sumach, Rhus glabra, Linn. (N.O. Anacardiaceae), a shrub from I to 4 metres high, indigenous to the United States and Canada. The drug is official in the U.S.P. The fruits are flattened-ovoid, 3 to 4 millimetres in diameter, deep crimson externally, and glandular-tomentose; the smooth, shiny, light yellow endocarp encloses a Single seed. The drug is odourless, but has an acid, astringent taste.
Constituents.—The fruits contain free malic acid, acid calcium malate, tannic and gallic acids, fixed and volatile oils, red colouring matter, etc.
Action and Uses.—Rhus glabra is astringent. It is used in the form of decoction (1 in 20), or fluidextract mixed with glycerin and water, as a gargle, especially in conjunction with potassium chlorate. It is not often used internally.
Dose.—6 to 20 decigrams (10 to 30 grains).
PREPARATION.
- Fluidextractum Rhois Glabrae, U.S.P.—FLUIDEXTRACT OF RHUS GLABRA. Syn.—Extractum Rhois Glabrae Fluidum.
- Prepared by extracting 100 of rhus glabra, in No. 40 powder, with glycerin, 10, and alcohol (49 per cent.), 90, by macero-percolation, continuing the percolation with the alcohol till the drug is exhausted, and adjusting the strength of the product so that 1 fluid part represents 1 part of the drug. Average dose.—1 mil (15 minims).
