Oleoresina Cypripedii.—Oleoresin of Cypripedium.
Related entry: Cypripedium (U. S. P.)—Cypripedium
(The Cypripediums are rare and endangered orchids. Don't use them unless you grow them yourself. -Henriette.)
SYNONYM: Cypripedin.
Preparation.—By percolation, exhaust coarsely powdered root of yellow ladies' slipper any quantity, with alcohol a sufficient quantity. Distill off about two-thirds of the alcohol, and add the residue to two or three times its volume of water; by distilling off the remaining alcohol, or by allowing the mixture to stand, the oleoresin precipitates. Collect it, wash it in clear water, allow it to subside, and then separate it from the water by decantation and filtration. The result is a dark substance of the consistence of a soft extract.
Action, Medical Uses, and Dosage.—This oleoresin may be used in all cases where cypripedium is indicated, in doses of from 1 to 5 grains, 2 or 3 times a day; it is best given in pill form with some inert or active (as may be desired) excipient. A dry Cypripedin has been presented to the profession, consisting of the oleoresin and a sufficient quantity of magnesia or other absorbent powder; in other instances, it has been simply a dried aqueous extract. Either of these dried preparations are nearly worthless.
