Extractum Haematoxyli (U. S. P.)—Extract of Haematoxylon.
Related entry: Haematoxylon (U. S. P.)—Haematoxylon
SYNONYMS: Extract of logwood, Extractum ligni campechiani.
Preparation.—"Haematoxylon, rasped, one thousand grammes (1000 Gm.) [2 lbs. av., 3 ozs., 120 grs.]; water, ten thousand cubic centimeters (10,000 Cc.) [338 fl℥, 66♏︎]. Macerate the haematoxylon with the water for 48 hours. Then boil (avoiding the use of metallic vessels) until one-half of the water has evaporated; strain the decoction while hot, and evaporate to dryness"—(U. S. P.).
Description, Medical Uses, and Dosage.—The above process should not be carried on in an iron vessel, on account of the astringent principle present. Extract of logwood should be a dry, non-hygroscopic, fragile, pulverulent mass, of a ruby-red color and a sweet taste, followed by astringency. Brande states that 20 pounds of the extract may be obtained from a hundred-weight of the rasped wood. The usual yield, however, is about 12 per cent. Old extract becomes very hard, frequently passing through the bowels undissolved when given in pills, and should, therefore, not be used in their preparation, but only in solutions. It forms a nearly clear, ruby-red solution in water. It is largely prepared where logwood is indigenous, and is much used in the arts.
Extract of logwood is astringent and tonic, and will be found useful in diarrhoea, dysenteric diarrhoea, relaxed conditions of the bowels succeeding cholera infantum, and in chronic laryngitis or bronchitis accompanied with considerable mucous expectoration. The dose is from 5 to 30 grains, 2 or 3 times a day. In 3 cases of chronic diarrhoea, with mucous, bloody, and purulent discharges of the bowels, from ulceration of the colon, Prof. A. J. Howe, M. D., succeeded in arresting the abnormal evacuations, when several approved remedies had been tried in vain, by means of a strong solution of extract of logwood. About 2 ounces of the extract were dissolved in a pint of warm water, of which, when cold, a tablespoonful was given for a dose, repeating it every 3 hours.
