Leptandra. The rhizoma and roots of Leptandra virginica Linné (Nat Ord. Scrophulariaceae).

Extractum Leptandrae

Extract of leptandra. Dose, gr. ij— gr. x.

Extractum Leptandrm Fluidum

Fluid extract of leptandra. Dose, τη v— 3 j.

Composition

A crystallizable principle has been obtained from the root—leptandrin (?). It contains also a resin which, in the impure form at present found in commerce, has a distinctly purgative quality and is known as leptandrin. The dose of this preparation is gr. ij— gr. v.

Actions and Uses

Leptandra is an active cathartic in the recent state. In the form of the fluid extract, or of the so-called leptandrin, it acts mildly, causing somewhat liquid and apparently bilious stools. It is held to be cholagogue, and, according to the rules of analogy, this claim may be well founded, for other cathartics containing resin, as the experiments of Rutherford and Vignal have shown, possess the power to increase the flow of bile.

It is applicable to cases of disease of the intestinal canal, attended by constipation, in which the biliary and intestinal secretions are insufficient.