( Logwood. )

Origin. - The heart-wood of Haematoxylon campechianum L., a tree 30 to 40 feet (9-12 M.) high, indigenous on the shores of the Gulf of Campeachy and in certain parts of South America.

Description and Properties. - Heavy, hard, externally purplish-black, internally brownish-red, marked with concentric circles, splitting irregularly; odor faint, agreeable, taste sweetish, astringent. When chewed it colors the saliva dark pink.

Only the preparations of haematoxylon are used externally.

Official Preparation

Extractum Haematoxyli - Extracti Haematoxyli - Extract of Haematoxylon. - Dose, 5-15 grains (0.3-1.0 Gm.) [15 grains (1 Gm.), U. S. P.].

Physiological Action. - Its astringent properties are due to the tannin which haematoxylon contains.

Therapeutics. - Externally and Locally. - It is a valuable antiseptic, as well as a healing application in gangrene and foul-smelling sores. It is also beneficial as an injection in leucorrhea. Haematoxylon has a very agreeable, sweetish taste; hence it is well taken by children. It is of marked benefit in infantile diarrhea, but has the disadvantage of coloring the discharges and diaper blood-red or purplish blue, causing much alarm to the mother. The urine is also colored. It is used in dysentery, tuberculous diarrhea, and atonic dyspepsia. Some authorities claim that haematoxylon causes phlebitis.

Administration. - In diarrhea a decoction with a little aromatic sulphuric acid is the best preparation. To it may be added a little syrup of ginger and camphorated tincture of opium. The decoction is, in fact, the best preparation to use.