Pareira. - Synonym. - Pareira Brava. The root of Chondodendron tomentosum Ruiz et Pavon (nat. ord. Menispermaceae).

Habitat

Brazil.

Characters

Subcylindrical, somewhat tortuous pieces, about 10 to 15 cm. long, varying in thickness from 2 to 10 cm.; externally dark brownish-gray, with transverse ridges and fissures and longitudinal furrows; internally pale brown, and, when freshly cut, having a waxy lustre; bark thin; wood porous, in two or more somewhat irregularly concentric circles, with rather large medullary rays, and no distinct central pith; inodorous; taste bitter.

Composition

The chief constituent is Pelosine, an alkaloid, about 0.5 per cent., identical with Berberine {see p. 640) and Buxine.

Incompatibles. - Ferric and lead salts, and tincture of iodine.

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

Preparation

Extractum Pareirae Fluidum. Fluid Extract Of Pareira

By maceration and percolation with Glycerin, Alcohol, and Water, and evaporation.

Dose, 1/2 to 1 fl. dr.; 2. to 4. c.c

Action And Therapeutics Of Pareira

Pareira besides its diuretic,' in which it closely resembles buchu, is not known to have any physiological action. It is used empirically in chronic inflammation of the genito-urinary tract, such as pyelitis, cystitis, gonorrhoea, and gleet. It was formerly renowned as a lithontriptic