Xanthexylum

Prickly Ash

Prickly ash. The bark of Xanthoxylum ameri-canum Miller and of X. clava-Herculis Lambert (Nat. Ord. Rutaceae, Xanthoxyleae.)

Extractum Xanthoxyli Fluidum

Fluid extract of xanthoxylum. Dose, τη x— 3 j-

A decoction may be made by boiling an ounce of the bark in a quart of water down to one pint, and of this one to two ounces may be used every four hours. A tincture may also be prepared with two ounces of the root to a pint of diluted alcohol, of which the dose would be 3 ss— 3 ij. The official fluid extract is more frequently in use; the dose of this is τη xv— 3 ij.

Composition

Xanthoxylum contains a neutral crystallizable principle, which is known as xanthoxylin, and is said to be identical with xanthopicrite, and the latter has been shown to be berberine. Besides this important constituent, a volatile and a fixed oil, resin, gum, etc., are contained in it.

Physiological Actions

The taste of xanthoxylum is at first sweetish, and somewhat aromatic, but considerable bitterness is soon developed, followed by acridity, which remains long in the fauces. It has remarkable sialagogue property, and the increased flow of saliva occurs from the systemic effects, as well as from the local impression on the mucous membrane of the mouth. In the stomach it excites a sensation of warmth, and increases secretion from the stomach and intestinal mucous membrane. It is in a high degree probable that just as its presence in the mouth causes salivation, so its presence in the intestinal canal determines the flow of gastric, duodenal, hepatic, and pancreatic secretion. The action of the heart is increased by xanthoxylin, the arterial tension rises, the capillary circulation becomes more energetic, and the sweat-glands are made to pour forth a more abundant secretion. Corresponding effects are produced in the kidneys, and increased flow of urine follows its administration.

Therapy

Xanthoxylum is a domestic remedy for toothache. The bark, chewed, has a popular reputation for paralysis of the tongue. A decoction of the bark is an efficient local application to the throat when,

In cases of chronic pharyngitis, there is dryness of the mucous mem-brane. From ten to thirty minims of the fluid extract, or a half to one drachm of the tincture, ter in die, is a successful remedy for an extremely obstinate affection, namely, chronic pharyngitis—the mucus adhering in large, thin, dry scales, and the mucous membrane being glossy, shining, glazed, and dry.

The active principle (xanthoxylin) is a useful stomachic tonic in atonic dyspepsia. When, however, in stomach, intestinal, or hepatic disorders the object is to promote secretion, the preparations of xan-thoxylum must be used. Jaundice due to catarrh of the bile-ducts, and that form of jaundice produced by acute malarial poisoning, are conditions in which xanthoxylum is distinctly remedial. Constipation, due to deficient secretion, is also removed by this agent.

Xanthoxylum has long had a deserved reputation in the treatment of chronic rheumatism. It is adapted to muscular rheumatism, myalgia, and such local muscular disorders as torticollis (recent cases), lumbago, etc. It may be used with advantage, locally, in these affections. The curative power which it possesses in chronic rheumatism is doubtless due to its eliminant action on the mucous and cutaneous surfaces.

Xanthoxylum is a remedy for constitutional syphilis of equal merit with guaiac, mezereon, stillingia, etc., and is greatly more effective than sarsaparilla.

Decoction of xanthoxylum has been used with success in the treat-ment of dropsy.