Oleoresina Cubebae. U. S. Oleoresin of Cubeb. Oleores. Cubeb.
Related entry: Cubeb
Extractum Cubebae Aethereum; Oleoresine de Cubebe, Fr.; Extractum Cubebarum, P. G.; Aetherisches Kubebenextrakt, Kubebenextrakt, G.
"Cubeb, in No. 30 powder, five hundred grammes [or 17 ounces av., 279 grains]; Alcohol, a sufficient quantity. Place the Cubeb in a cylindrical glass percolator, pack the powder firmly, and percolate slowly with alcohol, added in successive portions, until the drug is exhausted. Recover the greater part of the alcohol from the percolate by distillation on a water-bath, and, having transferred the residue to a dish, allow the remaining alcohol to evaporate in a warm place, stirring frequently. Keep the Oleoresin in a well-stoppered bottle.
"NOTE: Oleoresin of Cubeb, after standing for some time, deposits a waxy and crystalline precipitate, which should be rejected, the liquid portion only being used." U. S.
A change was made in the menstruum for this oleoresin in the U. S. P. (8th Rev.) alcohol now being used instead of ether or acetone. The use of alcohol was suggested by E. R. Squibb. This oleoresin consists mainly of the volatile oil and resin, with a portion of the cubebin and waxy matter of the cubeb. The consistence differs according to the character of the cubeb employed, its degree of fluidity being proportionate to the amount of volatile oil contained in the medicine. The color is usually blackish brown, with more or less of a greenish hue, according to the quantity of chlorophyll present, which varies with the character of the cubeb and with that of the menstruum, pure ether extracting more of the green coloring matter, while alcohol extracts the brown; unripe fruit or berries yield more chlorophyll than do the ripe fruit. Cubeb yields from one-eighth to one-fifth of its weight of the oleoresin. The preparation deposits waxy matter and crystals of cubebin on standing, which should be separated and discarded; its efficacy is not impaired on this account. It was first introduced into use by Procter. (A. J. P., xviii, 168.)
From carefully conducted experiments by P. V. Heydenreich, it would appear that, of the various constituents of cubeb contained in the official oleoresin, the cubebin has no perceptible effect in the dose of the medicine ordinarily given, that the volatile oil is simply stimulant and carminative, and, finally, that the soft resin has all the diuretic properties of the cubeb. Of the last-mentioned ingredient, twenty grains (1.3 Gm.) given every two hours until five doses were taken considerably increased the secretion of urine, producing at the same time a slight burning sensation in the passage, which ceased with the diuretic action. Pushed beyond this amount, it occasioned severe irritation of the urinary passages, with some fever.
This oleoresin, as it occurs in the market, often has a thin consistence. In one specimen three-eighths of its weight were lost in a short time by the spontaneous evaporation of the ether improperly left in the product.
Dose, from five to ten minims (0.3-0.6 mil), given suspended in water, or mixed with powdered sugar.
Off. Prep.—Trochisci Cubebae, U. S.
