Bryonia. - Synonym. - Bryony. The root of Bryonia alba, and of Bryonia dioica Linne (nat. ord. Cucurbitaceae).

Habitat

Central and Southern Europe.

Characters

In transverse sections about 5 cm. in diameter, the bark gray-brown, rough, thin, the central portion whitish or grayish, with numerous, small, projecting wood-bundles arranged in circles and radiating lines; fracture short; inodorous; taste disagreeably bitter.

Composition

The chief constituents are - (1) Bryonin, C34H48O9, a bitter glucoside; (2) Resin; (3) Starch; (4) Gum.

Dose, 10 to 60 gr.; .60 to 4.00 gm.

Preparation

Tinctura Bryonia. Tincture Of Bryonia

Bryonia, 100; by maceration and percolation with Alcohol to 1000. Dose, 2 to 4 fl. dr.; 8. to 15. c.c.

Action And Uses Of Bryonia

Bryonia is an active hydragogue cathartic, which was formerly much employed, but has been superseded by jalap.