Matico. The leaves of Artanthe elongata or Piper angustifolium. Nat. Ord. Piperaceae. Linn. Syst.

Diandria Trigynia. Source, Peru.

Med. Prop. and Action. Astringent; a powerful topical styptic. It may be given internally in powder, infusion, or tincture (Matico oz. viij.; Proof Spirit Oij.), the latter in doses of fl. drm. j. - fl. drs. ij. Matico contains only traces of Tannic Acid, a peculiar acid, Artanthic Acid, and a volatile oil or Camphor (Garrod). It contains no Piperine, although it has been said to affect the genitourinary mucous membrane and rectum like pepper or cubebs. Its value as a topical styptic is so much better established than its power as an astringent when taken internally, and it contains so small a quantity of astringent matter, § that the former effect has been supposed to be due to the mechanical structure of the leaf. For external application, the underside of the leaf should be used, being more powerfully styptic than the upper. The powdered leaves are also frequently used. It was introduced into England by Dr. Jeffreys,* in 1839. Much interesting information on its properties will be found in a valuable paper by Prof. Bentley in Pharm. Journal, 1863.

* Principles of Midwifery.

Cyc. Pract. Med., vol. ii. p. 126.

Compend. of Mat. Med., p. 117. § Garrod, Ess. of Mat. Med., p. 281.

Offic. Prep. Infusum MaticAe (Matico cut small oz. ss.; Boiling Distilled Water fl. oz. x.). Dose, fl. oz. j. - fl. oz. ij.

Dose of Powdered Matico, internally, gr. xxx. - gr. cxx.

1790. Therapeutic Uses

In internal HAemorrhages, it has been said to be very successful. In HAematemesis, HAematuria, Haemoptysis, &c, it is advised by Dr. Jeffreys.* In Menorrhagia and Uterine Hemorrhage, it has been highly praised. A case illustrative of its efficacy is mentioned by Mr. Home; and Dr. Giraud relates a case in which the pounded leaves, made into a paste and introduced into the vagina, arrested the discharge, when a strong solution of Argent. Nit. had previously failed. In Epistaxis, it has been stated to be very effectual; a severe case is related by Mr. Horne. which, after resisting all other remedies, yielded to the administration of Matico. In slight cases of Haemoptysis, Dr. Theophilus Thompson § observes that the Infusion of Matico alone is often sufficient.

1791. HAemorrhage from Leech-bites, from superficial wounds, after the extraction of Teeth, &c., may be readily arrested by the local application of the underside of the leaf.

1792. In Leucorrha, depending upon an atonic state of the secernent capillaries of the mucous lining of the uterus and vagina, Dr. B. Lane || employed an injection of Infusion of Matico with decided benefit.

1793. In Atonic Diarrhoea, Dr

Lane administered the infusion, in some cases with excellent effect, in others with no benefit. The results were unsatisfactory.