Origin. - The bark of Prunus serotina Ehr, which should be collected in autumn.

Description and Properties. - It is met with in curved pieces or irregular fragments 1/12 inch (2 Mm.) or more thick; outer surface greenish-brown or yellowish-brown, smooth and somewhat glossy, marked with transverse scars. If the bark is collected from the old wood and deprived of the corky layer, the outer surface is nut-brown and uneven; inner surface somewhat striate or fissured. Upon maceration in water it develops a distinct bitter-almond odor. Taste astringent, aromatic, and bitter. It contains tannin, resin, a glycoside - amygdalin (laurocerasin), and a ferment -emulsin. In the presence of water the glycoside is broken up into hydrocyanic acid and a volatile oil, Benzaldehyd results also from the ferment action. Temperature above 160o F. destroys the action of the ferment.

Dose. - 1/2-1 dram (2.0-4.0 Gm.) [30 grains (2 Gm.), U. S. P.].

Official Preparations

Fluidextractum Pruni Virginianae - Fluidextracti Pruni Virginianae - Fluid-extract of Wild Cherry. - Dose, 30-60 minims (2.0-4.0 Cc.) [30 minims (2 Cc), U. S. P.].

Infusum Pruni Virginianae - Infusi Pruni Virginianae - Infusion of Wild Cherry. - Dose, 1-2 fluidounces (30.0-60.0 Cc.) [2 ounces (60 Cc), U. S. P.].

Syrupus Pruni Virginianae - Syrupi Pruni Virginianae - Syrup of Wild Cherry. - Dose, 2-4 fluidrams (8.0-15.0 Cc.) [1 dram (4 Cc), U. S. P.].