Origin. - The dried leaves of Barosma betulina (Thunberg) Bartling et Wend-land, a shrub attaining a height of several feet, indigenous in the southern portion of Africa, particularly in various parts of Cape Colony.

Description and Properties. - The leaves are 1/2 to 3/4 inch (12 to 19 Mm.) long, roundish-obovate, with rather wedge-shaped base, or varying between oval and obovate, crenate or serrate, with a gland at the base of each tooth, dull yellowish-green, thickish, pellucid-punctate; odor and taste strongly aromatic, somewhat mintlike, pungent, and bitterish. Buchu contains from I to 2 per cent. of a volatile oil, which, on exposure to a low temperature, releases barosma camphor or diosphenol, C10H16O2. The bitter principle of buchu is rutin; resin is also present.

Dose. - 15-30 grains (10-2.0 Gm.) [30 grains (2 Gm.), U. S. P.].

Official Preparation

Fluidextractum Buchu - Fluidextracti Buchu - Fluidextract of Buchu. - Dose, 15-30 minims (1.0-2.0 Cc.) [30 minims (2 Cc), U. S. P.].

Physiological Action and Therapeutics. - Externally and locally buchu has no action of importance. When ingested it acts as a carminative, in small doses occasioning a feeling of warmth, but in excessive doses acting as an irritant.

Upon the circulation the influence of the drug is that of a mild stimulant.

Its active constituents are rapidly diffused through the blood, and are eliminated principally by the kidneys, the bronchial mucous membrane sharing in the excretory process.

Buchu increases the fluid and solid constituents of the urine, imparting to it a peculiar aromatic odor. The drug acts as a tonic astringent and disinfectant to the mucous membranes, from which it is eliminated, diminishing the secretions.

If taken for too long a period, irritation and inflammation of the kidneys are apt to ensue because of excessive stimulation.

The drug is chiefly employed as a stimulant diuretic and expectorant in catarrhal conditions of the genito-urinary organs and bronchial tubes. Buchu is therefore of service in urethritis, gonorrhea, gleet, chronic cystitis, incontinence of urine due to want of muscular tone, pyelitis, etc. The drug has also.proved beneficial in certain cases of chronic bronchitis, and has even been recommended in chronic rheumatism and lithemia.

Contraindications. - Buchu is contraindicated in acute inflammation of the kidneys.

Administration. - The fluidextract and the infusion are the only preparations employed. They should be given freely diluted with water.