Asclepias. - Synonym. - Pleurisy root. The root of Asclepias tube-rosa Linne (nat. ord. Asclepiadeae).

Habitat

United States, near the Atlantic Coast.

Characters

Root large and fusiform, dried in longitudinal or transverse sections, from 2 to 15 cm. long, and about 2 cm. or more in thickness; the head knotty, and slightly but distinctly annulate, the remainder longitudinally wrinkled, externally orange-brown, internally whitish; tough and having an uneven fracture; bark thin and in two distinct layers, the inner one whitish; wood yellowish, with large, white, medullary rays. It is inodorous, and has a bitterish, somewhat acrid taste.

Constituents. - (1) A crystalline Glucoside, soluble in Alcohol, Ether, and somewhat in water. (2) Asclepion, a bitter crystalline principle. (3) Two Resins.

Dose, 1/4 to 2 dr.; 2. to 8. gm.

Preparation

Extractum Asclepiadis Fluidum. Fluid Extract Of Asclepias

By maceration and percolation with Diluted Alcohol, and evaporation. Dose, 1/2 to 2 fl. dr.; 2. to 8. c.c.

Action And Uses Of Pleurisy Root

Pleurisy root possesses diaphoretic, carminative, and expectorant properties, without being stimulant. It is used in the disease which gives its name, and in various pectoral affections.