Extractum Gentianae Fluidum Compositum.—Compound Fluid Extract of Gentian.

Related entry: Extract of Gentian - Fluid Extract of Gentian - Gentiana (U. S. P.)—Gentian

Preparation.—Take of gentian, in coarse powder, 16 troy ounces; bitter orange peel, coriander seeds, of each, in coarse powder, 4 troy ounces; water, alcohol, each, a sufficient quantity. Macerate the gentian in 2 ½ pints of water for 12 hours, and introduce it into a percolator; allow the infusion to pass slowly, adding water at intervals until 5 pints of the liquid have passed. Evaporate this to 10 fluid ounces. Macerate the orange peel and coriander seeds in a mixture of 8 fluid ounces of alcohol, and 4 fluid ounces of water for 12 hours; introduce them into a percolator, and add gradually a sufficient quantity of diluted alcohol to displace 12 fluid ounces of tincture. Evaporate this to 6 fluid ounces by a gentle heat, 48.8° C. (120° F.), add it to the solution of gentian while hot, and strain. When finished, the fluid extract should measure a pint (Wm. Procter, Jr.). This formula can be simplified to advantage by mixing the powders and percolating in the usual manner.

Description, Medical Uses, and Dosage.—The compound fluid extract of gentian is a colored, thin, syrupy liquid. In the preparation of it I should prefer prickly ash berries to the coriander, both on account of their flavor and well-known influence on mucous tissues. Tonic and carminative, and may be given in doses of from ½ to 1 fluid drachm (J. King).


King's American Dispensatory, 1898, was written by Harvey Wickes Felter, M.D., and John Uri Lloyd, Phr. M., Ph. D.