213. Rosa gallica.—Red Rose.
The dried petals of Ro'sa gal'lica Linné, collected before expanding.
BOTANICAL CHARACTERISTICS.—A dwarfish bush, with odd-pinnate leaves and adnate stipules; leaflets elliptical, rugose. Flowers large, red; stamens many. Carpels several, becoming bony akenes in fruit. Receptacle urn-shaped, with styles rising from inner surface.
HABITAT.—Asia and Europe; cultivated.
DESCRIPTION OF DRUGS.—The buds are collected before expanding, the petals being loosely imbricated in the form of cones, or separate and crumpled. They are roundish-obovate, with a dark red, velvety appearance, which they retain after drying, during which process the fresh petals lose 90 per cent. of their weight; claws yellow; odor fragrant; taste bitter and astringent.
Powder.—Elements in: See Part iv, Chap. I, B.
CONSTITUENTS.—The astringency is due principally to quercitrin, with which their color is also doubtless connected. They contain some tannin, fat, and volatile oil. Boiling water extracts their virtues.
Not more than 3.5 per cent. of ash.
ACTION AND USES.—Mild tonic and astringent; chiefly employed as a vehicle for tonic and astringent preparations. Dose: 15 to 60 gr. (1 to 4 Gm.).
OFFICIAL PREPARATIONS.
- Fluidextractum Rosae. Dose: 15 to 60 drops (1 to 4 mils).
- Mel Rosae (12 per cent.).
