Mosetig-Moorhof gave the name teucrin to a concentrated, sterilized extract of Teucrium scordium—Extractum teucrii scordii depuratum—a member of the Labiatae. As it has a source similar to that of thymol, and close relations to the other agents of the group, it is appropriately considered here. Teucrin is administered, chiefly hypodermatically, in the dose of 3 grammes, or 46 grains. It is necessary in practicing the injection to observe every antiseptic precaution—the instrument, the fingers of the operator, and the patient's skin about the site of the injection being antiseptically prepared.

The concentrated extract, or teucrin, is dark brownish in color, of honey-like consistence, pungent in taste, cabbage-like odor, and somewhat acid in reaction. The effects are local and systemic. When a full dose is given an immediate rise in temperature takes place, the mercury reaching to 39° C. or 40° C. = 104° Fahr. in the course of a few hours. Slight chills are felt at the onset of the febrile movement. The return to normal takes place in ten to twelve hours. The functions continue undisturbed, the tongue remains clean, the skin moist, and the general sense of well-being unaffected. The local effects consist in some pain, redness, and oedematous swelling at the site of the injection, which last about twenty-four hours.

Besides the fever movement, which occurs in the sick and well alike, teucrin has a peculiar effect about the site of chronic inflammatory deposits: it causes a congestion of the surrounding area, an increase in the leucocytes, and softening, disintegration, and absorption of the pathological material or new formation, or exudation. This occurs usually within twenty-four hours after the injection is practiced, or may extend to two days. Such effects, in brief, are similar in character to those set up by cantharidic acid or the cantharidates when they are employed by the method of Liebreich, or those induced by tuberculin as this was made use of by Koch. The local action is accompanied by fever, rapid pulse, and other evidences of systemic disturbance.

By Mosetig-Moorhof teucrin has been employed with "brilliant" results in the treatment of cold abscesses, fistula, sinuses, etc., of tubercular origin. Two injections at twenty-four hours' interval usually suffice, the dose being 46 grains. It proved useful in fungous adenitis. Lymphatic glands, suppurating and tuberculous, were greatly improved and made to heal. Also, good results were obtained in lupus and antinomycosis.

Besides these applications of the remedy, it has been used successfully in gastric catarrh administered in capsules in the dose of 0·5 grm. = 8 grains.