602. Calendula.—Calendula, N.F. Marigold.
The dried ligulate florets of Calen'dula officina'lis Linné.
DESCRIPTION OF DRUG.—Florets about 12 mm. (½ in.) long, linear and strap-shaped, delicately veined in a longitudinal direction, yellow or orange-colored, 3-toothed above, the short, hairy tube inclosing the remnants of a filiform style terminating in two elongated branches; odor slight and somewhat heavy; taste somewhat bitter and faintly saline.
CONSTITUENTS.—Trace of volatile oil, a bitter principle, and a peculiar gummy principle, calendulin, C6H10O5. regarded by some authorities as analogous to bassorin.
ACTION AND USES.—It has slight stimulant and diaphoretic properties, but is used principally in the form of tincture, as a vulnerary. Dose: 15 to 60 gr. (1 to 4 Gm.). Tinctura Calendulae, formerly official.
