Origin. - The dried root of Krameria triandra Ruiz et Pavon, Krameria ixina L., and of Krameria argentea Martine. Low shrubs with spreading branches, native to Bolivia and Peru, growing in sandy localities in the mountains at an altitude of 3000 to 8000 feet (900-2440 M.).

Description and Properties. - From 1 to 1 1/2 inches (25-38 Mm.) thick, knotty, and several-headed above, branched below, the branches long; bark smooth, or in the thinner pieces scaly, deep rust-brown, 1/25 to 1/12 inch (1-2 Mm.) thick, very astringent, inodorous; wood pale, brownish-red, tough, with fine medullary rays, nearly tasteless. The root of Krameria ixina (Savanilla rhatany) is less knotty and slenderer, and has a dark purplish-brown bark about 1/8 inch (3 Mm.) thick.

Dose. - 8-30 grains (0.5-2.0 Gm.) [15 grains (1 Gm.), U. S. P.].

Official Preparations

Extractum Krameriae - Extracti Krameriae - Extract of Krameria. - Dose, 5-10 grains (0.3-0.6 Gm.) [7 1/2 grains (0.5 Gm.), U. S. P.].

Fluidextractum Krameriae - Fluidextracti Krameriae - Fluidextract of Krameria.Dose, 5-30 minims (0.3-2.0 Cc.) [15 minims (1 Cc), U. S. P.].

Syrupus Krameriae - Syrupi Krameriae - Syrup of Krameria. - Dose, 1/2-4 fluidrams (2.0-16.0 Cc.) [1 dram (4 Cc), U. S. P.].

Tinctura Krameriae - Tincturae Krameriae - Tincture of Krameria. - Dose, 1/4-2 drams (2.0-8.0 Cc.) [1 dram (4 Cc), U. S. P.].

Trochisci Krameriae - Trochiscos (ace) Krameriae - Troches of Krameria. - Dose, 1-5 troches. (Each troche contains 1 grain - 0.06 Gm.)

Physiological Action. - The action of krameria is identical with that of tannic acid.

Therapeutics. - Externally and Locally. - Its value as a topical application is of little consequence, but it has served satisfactorily as an ointment for hemorrhoids. It is used as an infusion or injection of the diluted tincture or fluidextract in leukorrhea, gleet, and especially in anal fissure, for which it has been highly recommended, since it checks the accumulation of feces in the rectum by constricting its walls, rendering defecation less painful, and preventing the formation of ulcers. The powder is used in epistaxis and rectal bleeding, also in prolapsus ani and ozena of a non-specific nature. It is used extensively in the preparation of tooth-powders, being especially beneficial where the gums display a tendency to bleed readily. A mouth-wash and gargle are used in ptyalism, spongy gums, pharyngitis, and relaxation of the uvula. Krameria has gained a wide reputation for allaying habitual, but not profuse, uterine hemorrhage. It is a good tonic for debilitated patients. It is also used in chronic diarrhea and dysentery.

Administration. - The powder is used in the nose and rectum either by insufflation or by means of a pledget of cotton. As an injection and enema the fluidextract is used. In fissure of the anus the rectum must be emptied first by an enema; then a solution of the extract, 1 dram (4.0 Gm.) to 1 ounce (30.0 Cc.) of water, is emptied into the bowel and allowed to run out, repeating the process several times. This procedure is very painful at first, but as the fissure gradually heals the operation will cause the patient little, if any, pain. Keep the bowels open with a mild saline laxative. The success attending the operation warrants any discomfort which the patient may experience. The nasal douche is best in ozena, followed by an insufflation of the powder.