272. Angustura.—Cusparia bark.
272. ANGUSTURA.—CUSPARIA BARK. The bark of Galipe'a cuspa'ria St. Hillaire. Habitat: Northern South America. Found in the market in flattish, quilled, or channeled pieces about 3 mm. (1/8 in.) thick, and not longer than 150 mm. (6 in.), but usually shorter; externally it is covered with a yellowish-gray, corky layer, which is marked by shallow longitudinal fissures, and in most cases easily removed by the nail; inner surface light cinnamon-brown, often with adhering strips of wood; internally reddish-brown, showing white points due to deposits of calcium oxalate. The tissue of the bark is loaded with oil cells. Odor musty, due to volatile oil; taste bitter and nauseous. Besides volatile oil and resin, the bark contains a bitter principle, angusturin, and four alkaloids, the most important of which is cusparine. Used as an aromatic bitter. Dose: 8 to 30 gr. (0.5 to 2 Gm.).
