Origin. - A volatile oil distilled from cubeb.

Description and Properties. - A colorless, pale-greenish, or yellowish liquid, having the characteristic odor of cubeb and a warm, camphoraceous, aromatic taste. Soluble in an equal volume of alcohol. It should be kept in well-stoppered bottles, in a cool place, protected from light.

Dose. - 5 - 15 minims (0.3-1.0 Cc.) [8 minims (0.5 Cc), U. S. P.].

Synergists. - Buchu, copaiba, oil of santal, black pepper, and many of the aromatic and volatile oils.

Physiological Action. - Externally and Locally. - Like the aromatics and drugs containing a volatile oil, cubeb is irritant and rubefacient when applied by inunction.

Internally. - Digestive System. - In medicinal amounts cubeb is an aromatic stomachic, increasing the appetite and improving digestion. As is the case with other drugs of this class, large dosage or the too prolonged use of small amounts irritates the stomach and deranges digestion, cubeb acting as a laxative and occasioning a sensation of heat and discomfort about the rectum.

Internally it has the general action of the volatile oil series.

Absorption and Elimination. - Cubeb is absorbed and eliminated with considerable rapidity. It escapes from the body chiefly by the urine, though the skin and bronchial mucous membrane share in the excretory process. The drug acts as an active stimulant and disinfectant to the structures by which it is excreted, and is consequently a diuretic, expectorant, and mild diaphoretic.

The urine and the amount of uric acid are increased by cubeb, the drug appearing in the urine as a salt of cubebic acid, which may be precipitated by nitric acid, the precipitate resembling that of albumin.

Untoward Action. - Cubeb occasionally produces great disturbance in the gastro-intestinal tract, colicky pains, and diarrhea. The most frequent untoward manifestations, however, are various cutaneous eruptions, appearing in the form of papules, and oftentimes as a diffuse erythema. No febrile symptoms attend these eruptions, which usually disappear shortly after the suspension of the drug.

Poisoning. - Although cubeb is not regarded as a poison, very large doses may be followed by all the symptoms of severe gastrointestinal irritation.

Treatment of Poisoning. - The indications are to empty the stomach, favor elimination, and treat the patient symptomatically by the use of demulcents, anodynes, stimulants, etc., as necessary.

Therapeutics. - Externally and Locally. - The drug is a deservedly popular remedy in many diseases of the nose and throat. The insufflation of an impalpable powder of cubeb or the inhalation of smoke from the burning drug is an efficient palliative to the sense of oppression arising from turgescence of the nasal mucous membrane.

The troches of cubeb are extensively used for coughs, hoarseness, etc. The oil of cubeb is used as an inhalant and as a local application in many diseases of the throat and respiratory passages.

Internally. - Cubeb is used internally for about the same purposes as copaiba, although by many physicians considered to be inferior to the latter drug in genito-urinary disorders.

Contraindications. - The same as for copaiba.

Administration. - Any of the preparations may be given. The oleoresin is best administered in capsules or emulsion.