Latin, Sarsaparilla

Eng., Sarsaparilla. The dried root of several species of Smilax.

Average Dose

30 grains (2 Gm.).

Official Preparations.

Fluidextractum Sarsaparillae

Eng., Fluidextract of Sarsaparilla. Average Dose.-30 minims (2 mils).

Fluidextractum Sarsaparillae Compositum

Eng., Compound Fluid-extract of Sarsaparilla. Sarsaparilla, 750 Gm.; Glycyrrhiza, 120 Gm.; Sassafras, 100 Gm.; Mezereum, 30 Gm.; Glycerin, Alcohol and Water, to 1000 mils.

Average Dose

30 minims (2 mils).

Syrupus Sarsaparillae Compositum

Eng., Compound Syrup of Sarsaparilla. Fluidextract of Sarsaparilla, 200 mils; Fluidextract of Glycyrrhiza, 15 mils; Fluidextract of Senna, 15 mils; with Oils of Sassafras, Anise and Gaultheria; Sugar and Water. Average Dose.-4 fluidrachms (15 mils).

1 Stelwagon: Diseases of the Skin.

Therapeutic Action

Has been classed as an alterative, but any virtue is questionable.

Uses

The preparations of sarsaparilla are used as vehicles, particularly for alterative agents. It is a constituent of many pharmaceutical and proprietary remedies.

Administration

Sarsaparilla and its preparations are not now very extensively prescribed. The Compound Syrup is sometimes used as a vehicle in the administration of"Mixed Treatment."The taste of Sarsaparilla is regarded as very pleasant by some and decidedly disagreeable by others. It is an ingredient in the unofficial Compound Elixir of Salicylic Acid, a rather popular remedy for rheumatism.

In the treatment of syphilis:

M.

Sig

Teaspoonful in water four times daily.