Frangula. - Synonym. - Buckthorn. The bark of Rhamnus Frangula Linne (nat. ord. Rhamneae), collected at least one year before being used.

Habitat

Europe and Northern Asia.

Characters

Quilled, about 1 mm. thick; outer surface grayish-brown, or blackish-brown, with numerous small, whitish, transversely elongated lenti-cels; inner surface smooth, pale, brownish-yellow; fracture in the outer layer short, of a purplish tint; in the inner layer fibrous and pale yellow; when masticated, coloring the saliva yellow; nearly inodorous; taste sweetish and bitter.

Composition

Fresh bark contains a glucoside, Frangulin, C20H20O10. This in the old bark has become converted into Emodin, C15H10O5 (also found in Rhubarb), to which the value of the bark is due. Two products are obtained from Frangulin by hydrolysis, Emodin and Rhamnose, C6H12O6.

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

Preparation

Extractum Frangulae Fluidum. - Fluid Extract of Frangula. By maceration and percolation with Alcohol and Water, and evaporation. Dose, 1/2 to 2 fl. dr.; 2. to 8. c.c.

Action And Therapeutics Of Frangula

The fresh bark is a violent gastro-intestinal irritant, but that which has been kept a year is a mild laxative, acting like senna; it is suitable for children, and for use in chronic constipation.