This section is from the book "Practical Materia Medica And Prescription Writing", by Oscar W. Bethea. Also available from Amazon: Practical Materia Medica and Prescription Writing.
Latin, Diastasum (Gen., Diastasi)
Eng., Diastase. A mixture containing amylolytic enzymes obtained from an infusion of malt. It converts not less than fifty times its weight of potato starch into sugars.
A yellowish-white powder, or translucent scales.
Odorless and tasteless.
Soluble in water; almost insoluble in alcohol.
8 grains (0.5 Gm.).
For the digestion of starchy food.
It is seldom prescribed as such, but preparations containing it are sometimes employed.
 
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