426. Monesia.
Botanical name:
426. MONESIA.—An extract obtained from a South American tree, Lucu'ma glycyph'laea Martius et Mohler. Dark brown, almost black, cakes, about 25 mm. (1 in.) in thickness; very brittle, often coming into the market in broken fragments; inodorous; taste sweetish, astringent, and then acrid, its acrimony being very persistent, especially in the fauces. This acridity is due to monesin, a principle identical with saponin. Monesia also contains tannin, glycyrrhizin, and lucumin (silky needles). Stomachic stimulant, alterative, and astringent. Used in diarrhea, hemorrhages, in astringent gargles, and in powder or ointment applied to scrofulous ulcers. Dose: 5 to 20 gr. (0.3 to 1 .3 Gm.).
