Olea Infusa (N. F.)—Infused Oils.
Preparation.—"The dry herb, in moderately coarse (No. 40) powder, two hundred grammes (200 Gm.) [7 ozs. av., 24 grs.]; alcohol, one hundred and fifty grammes (150 Gm.) [5 ozs. av., 127 grs.]; water of ammonia (U. S. P.), four grammes (4 Gm.) [62 grs.]; lard oil, five hundred grammes (500 Gm.) [1 lb. av., 1 oz., 279 grs.]; cotton seed oil, five hundred grammes (500 Gm.) [1 lb. av., 1 oz., 279 grs.]. Moisten the powdered herb with a sufficient quantity of the alcohol and water of ammonia previously mixed, then pack it tightly into a stone or enamelled iron vessel of suitable capacity, pour on the remainder of the ammoniated alcohol, cover it well, and allow the mixture to macerate for 24 hours. Then add one hundred and twenty grammes (120 Gm.) [4 ozs. av., 102 grs.] of the mixed oils, digest, under frequent agitation, during 12 hours, at a temperature between 50° and 60° C. (122° and 140° F.), transfer the mixture to a strainer, and express strongly. To the residue, returned to the vessel, add the remainder of the oils, digest and express in the same manner, and unite the expressed portions. Note.—This process is a modification of that prescribed by the German Pharmacopoeia. The alcohol and free ammonia are dissipated during the digestion. Infused oils are usually prepared only from so-called narcotic plants, but it is known that only a portion of their active constituents is taken up by the oil. The above process is to be used for the preparation of Oleum Hyoscyami of the German Pharmacopoeia, and similar infused oils"—(Nat. Form.).
The uses of the infused oils will be those of the ingredients which enter into their composition.
