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Vegetable Astringents
Martindales 24th
Compiled and edited
by
Ivor Hughes.

Vegetable Astringents
Arnica Flower (B.P.C. 1949). Arnic. Flos; Arnica.
The dried flower heads of Arnica montana (Compositae) containing not less than 15% of alcohol (45%,) soluble extractive. Protect from light and moisture in a cool place.
Foreign Pharmacopoeias: In Belg., Cz., Fr., Ger., Nor., Pol., Span., and Swiss Also in U.S.N.F. which allows also the American species A. cordifolia, A. fulgens, and A. sororia.
Toxic Effects. A fluid ounce of the tincture has produced severe symptoms-burning pains in the stomach, vomiting, diarrhoea, giddiness, muscular weakness, dilated pupils, and collapse.
Antidotes. Give an emetic if patient has not already vomited. Medicinal charcoal, stirred up in water, may be given freely; also demulcent drinks.
Uses. Arnica has been used as a tincture for local application to bruises and sprains where the skin is unbroken and not too tender, but it is of doubtful value. It irritates the stomach and intestines and is not used internally.

Tinct. Arnic. Flor. (B.P.C. 1949). Tincture of Arnica Flower; Tincture of Arnica.
1 in 10; prepared by percolation with alcohol (45%). Local application may produce severe dermatitis.
Similar tinctures are included in Cz. P., Pol. P., Span. P., and Swiss P. The tincture of the Fr. P, and U.S.N.F. is 1 in 5.

Arnica Rhizome (B.P.C. 1934, Cz. P., Span. P.). Arnic. Rhiz.; Arnica Root.
The dried rhizome and rootlets of A. montana. It has the same actions as arnica flower and has been used externally for the same purposes, usually as a tincture (1 in 20).

Bael (B.P.C. 1949, Ind. P.). Bael Fruit; Bel; Bengal Quince; Indian Bael.
The unripe or half-ripe fruit of Aegle marmelos (Rutaceae).
Uses. Bael is mildly astringent and is used in India in the treatment of dysentery and diarrhoea as a liquid extract (1 in 1; dose: 4 to 8 ml.).

Bayberry (B.P.C. 1949). Myrica; Bayberry Bark; Candle Berry Bark; Wax Myrtle Bark.
Dose: 0. 6 to 4 g. (10 to 60 grains). The dried bark of the root of Myrica cerifera (Myricaceae). It contains tannic and gallic acids and an acrid astringent resin. Protect from light and moisture.
Uses. Bayberry is astringent and, in large doses, emetic. It has been administered in the form of an infusion or liquid extract. The powdered bark, mixed with ginger, capsicum and clove in varying proportions, is used under the name of `composition powder' as a domestic remedy for colds and chills.

Catechu (B.P.C.). Catech.; Gambir (Egyp. P.); Pale Catechu.
Dose: 0. 3 to 1 g. (5 to 15 grains).
Foreign Pharmacopoeias: In Egyp. and Jap. Catechu of Ger., Ind., and Swiss is Black Catechu.A dried aqueous extract of the leaves and young shoots of Uncaria gambier (Rubiaceae). It contains not more than 30% of alcohol (90%)-insoluble matter and not more than 25% of water-insoluble matter. Incompatible with alkaloids, gelatin, and iron salts.
Uses. Catechu is an astringent and is employed, usually with chalk in mixture form, in the treatment of diarrhoea. The tincture, diluted 1 in 25, has been used as a gargle. (See first image)

Mist. Cret. c. Catech. (B.P.C. 1949). Mixture of Chalk with Catechu; Mist. Catech. Co.
Catechu 10 gr., aromatic powder of chalk 15 gr., chalk 15 gr., tragacanth 0.5 gr., chloroform water to 1.5 fl. oz.
Dose: 15 to 30 ml. (0.5 to 1 fl. oz.).

Mist. Cret. e. Catech. (N.W.F. 1947). Mist. Catech. Co.
Tincture of catechu 30 m., aromatic powder of chalk I5 gr., chalk 15 gr., tragacanth 0.5 gr., cinnamon water to 0.5 fl. oz.
Dose: 15 ml. (0.5 fl. oz.).

Mist. Cret. c. Catech. pro Infant. (B.P.C. 1949, N.F. 1952),
Mixture of Chalk with Catechu for Infants. Tincture of catechu 6 m., chalk 1.5 gr., tragacanth 0.125 gr., syrup 10 m., cinnamon water 15 m., chloroform water to 60 m.
Dose: 4 to 8 ml. (60 to 120 minims).

Tincture of Catechu (B.P.C.). Tinct. Catech.
Catechu 1 in 5 with cinnamon I in 20; prepared by percolation with alcohol (45%).
Dose: 2 to 4 ml. (30 to 60 minims).
Several foreign pharmacopoeias include a 1 in 5 tincture prepared from black catechu.

Black Catechu (B.P.C. 1949). Catechu Nigrum (Egyp. P.); Cutch; Kutch; Cachou de Pegu.
Dose: 0�3 to 1 g. (5 to 15 grains).
Foreign Pharmacopoeias: In Egyp. and, with the main title `Catechu', in Ger., Ind., and Swiss.
A dried aqueous extract of the heartwood of Acacia catechu (Leguminosae'), containing not less than 60% of alcohol (90%)-soluble extractive.
Uses. Black catechu is used for the same purposes as catechu.

Compound Powder of Catechu (Ind. P.). Pulv. Cat. Co.
Black catechu 50, kino 25, cinnamon 15, and nutmeg 10.
Dose: 300 to 600 mg. (5 to 10 grains).

Gall (B.P.C.). Galla; Aleppo Galls; Blue Galls; Galls; Nutgall; Noix de Galle; Gallapfel.
Dose: 0.6 to 1.2 g. (10 to 20 grains).
Foreign Pharmacopoeias: In Dan., Egyp., Ger., Hung., Jug., Pol., and Swiss. Jap. includes Rhus Gall (Galla Rhois), which has similar properties and is obtained from the leaves of Rhus javanica (Anacardiaceae) and other species. Excrescences from the twigs of Quercus infectoria (Fagaceae), resulting from the stimulus given to the tissues of the young twigs by the development of the larvae of the gall-wasp, Adleria galloe tinctoriae
(= Cynips gallae tinctoriae (Cynipidae). It contains about 50 to 70% of gallotannic acid.
Uses. An astringent employed in ointments and suppositories for the treatment of haemorrhoids

Ointment of Gall (B.P.C.). Ung. Gall.; Nutgall Ointment.
Gall 2 and benzoinated lard 8.

Ointment of Gall with Opium (B.P.C.). Ung. Gall. c. Opio; Ung. Gall. Co.
Ointment of gall 92�5 g. and powdered opium 7�5 g. (Exempt [D]).

Tinct. Gall. (B.P.C. 1934). Tincture of Gall.
1 in 8; prepared by percolation with alcohol (60%). It has been administered internally as an astringent.
Dose: 2 to 8 ml. (30 to 120 minims).
A 1 in 5 tincture is included in several foreign pharmacopoeias.

Hamamelis (B.P.). Hamam.; Hamamelis Leaves; Witch Hazel Leaves; Hamamelidis Folia.
Foreign Pharmacopoeias: In Belg., Chil., Fr., Span., and Swiss.
The dried leaves of Hamamelis virginiana (Hamamelidaceae), containing not less than 20% of alcohol (45%)-soluble extractive.
Uses. Hamamelis has astringent properties. Its preparations are mainly used in the treatment of haemorrhoids.

Dry Extract of Hamamelis (B.P.). Ext. Hamam. Sicc.; Extract of Hamamelis.
A dry extract prepared by percolation with alcohol (45%). Protect from moisture in a cool place.

Liquid Extract of Hamamelis (B.P., Egyp. P.). Ext. Hamam. Liq.
1 in 1; prepared by percolation with alcohol (45%).

Ointment of Hamamelis (B.P.). Ung. Hamam. (B.N.F.).
Liquid extract of hamamelis 1 ml., wool fat 5 g., and yellow soft paraffin 4 g. It is employed for haemorrhoids. A combination with [D P1 -S1] cocaine 2% has been used.

Suppositories of Hamamelis (B.P.). Supp. Hamam. (B.N.F.).
Unless otherwise specified, suppositories each containing 200 mg. (3 grains) of Dry Extract of Hamamelis, in a basis of theobroma oil, are supplied.

Suppositories of Hamamelis and Zinc Oxide (B.P.C.). Supp. Hamam. et Zinc. Oxid. (B.N.F.).
Unless otherwise specified, suppositories each containing Dry Extract of Hamamelis 3 grains and zinc oxide 10 grains, in a basis of theobroma oil, are supplied.

Hamamelis Bark (B.P.C. 1949). Hamam. Cort. ; Witch Hazel Bark.
The dried bark of Hamamelis virginiana, containing not less than 20% of alcohol (45%)-soluble extractive.
Uses. A local astringent and haemostatic which is usually employed as a tincture. A lotion prepared by diluting the tincture (1 in 4 to 1 in 8) with cold water has been used for bruises, small wounds, and inflammatory swellings mid for the treatment of external haemorrhoids.

Tinct. Hamam. (B.P.C. 1949). Tincture of Hamamelis.
1 in 10; prepared by percolation with alcohol (45%).
Dose: 2 to 4 ml. (30 to 60 minims).
Belg. P, and Fr. P. include a tincture (1 in 5) prepared from the leaves.

Hamamelis Water (B.P.C. 1949, U.S.N.F.). Aq. Hamam.; Distilled Witch Hazel; Witch Hazel Water; `Witch Hazel'.
A clear colourless liquid with a characteristic odour and taste, prepared by macerating recently cut and partly dried dormant twigs of Hamamelis virginiana in water, distilling, and adding a requisite quantity of alcohol to the distillate. Wt per ml. 0�976 to 0�979 g. It contains 13 to 15% v/v of ethyl alcohol.
Uses. A mild astringent which is used as a cooling application to sprains mid bruises and as a haemostatic for small superficial wounds. It is also used in Home toilet preparations and, well diluted, as a constituent of eye lotions.

Past. Hamam. (B.P.C. 1949). Paste of Hamamelis; Witch Hazel Cream.
Hamamelis water 50 ml., stearic acid 10 g., potassium carbonate 750 mg., wool fat 2.5 g., liquid paraffin 1.5 ml., glycerin 5 g., chlorocresol l00 mg., and water 30 ml. Protect from moisture in a cool place. A useful basis for medicated creams.

Kino (B.P.C. 1949). East Indian, Malabar, Madras, or Cochin Kino.
Dose: 0�3 to 1�2 g. (5 to 20 grains).
Foreign Pharmacopoeias: In Ind. and Swiss.
The dried juice from the trunk of Pterocarpus marsupium (Leguminosae), containing not less than 75% of boiling-water-soluble extractive and about 70% of alcohol (90%)-soluble extractive. The principal constituent is kinotannic acid (70 to 80%). Partly soluble (60 to 70%) in cold water and alcohol; more soluble substances precipitable by the tannin it contains.
Dose: 2 to 4 ml. (30 to 60 minims).

Ind. P. includes a 1 in 5 tincture, the kino being first heated with water on a water-bath before adding the alcohol; it contains no glycerin.
Dose: 1 to 2 ml. (15 to 30 minims).

Eucalyptus Kino (B.P.C. 1949). Kino Eucalyp.; Australian Kino; Eucalyptus Gum; Red Gum.
Dose: 0.3 to 1.2 g. (5 to 20 grains).
The dried juice obtained from Eucalyptus rostrata (Myrtaceae) and other species of Eucalyptus, containing not less than 80% of alcohol (90%)-soluble extractive and about 80% of water-soluble extractive. Its composition appears to vary considerably according to the species from which it is obtained. The principal constituent is kinotannic acid.
Uses. It has an astringent action similar to that of kino. A liquid extract and a tincture (both 1 in 4; dose: 15 to 60 minims) have been used in the treatment of diarrhoea and, diluted with 15 parts of water, as styptics and astringent gargles. It has also been used in lozenges and pastilles for the relief of relaxed conditions of the pharynx.

Troch. Kino Eucalyp. (B.P.C. 1949). Lozenges of Eucalyptus Kino.
Each contains 1 grain in fruit basis for lozenges.

Krameria (B.P.C.). Krameria Root; Rhatany Root; Ratanhy Root.
Dose: 0-6 to 2 g. (10 to 30 grains).
Foreign Pharmacopoeias: In Belg., Chil., Cz., Dan., Egyp., Fr., Ger., Hung., Mex., Nor., Span., Swed., and Swiss.
Mex. allows both K. triandra and K. argentea; Span. allows various species of Krameria.

The dried root of Krameria triandra (Krameriaceae), containing not less than 25% of alcohol (60%)-soluble extractive. It is known in commerce as Peruvian rhatany. The root of K. argentea is known as Para rhatany. Preparations of krameria are incompatible with gelatin and salts of iron.

Uses. Krameria has astringent properties similar to those of tannic acid and is used, sometimes with cocaine, as a lozenge or pastille for sore throats The dry extract has been given as a suppository for bleeding or prolapsed haemorrhoids. The tincture, diluted with 12 parts of water, may be used as an astringent gargle and mouth wash.

Dry Extract of Krameria (B.P.C.). Ext. Kramer. Sicc.; Rhatany Extract.
The aqueous percolate evaporated to dryness under reduced pressure. Protect from moisture in a cool place.
Dose: 0�3 to 1 g. (5 to 15 grains).
A similar extract is included in several foreign pharmacopoeias.

Garg. Kramer. Co. (N.F. 1939)
Tincture of krameria 180 m., liquefied phenol 180 m., glycerin 240 m., peppermint water to 8 fl. oz.
Dilute one tablespoonful with 0.25 pint of water.

Inf. Kramer. Conc. (B.P.C. 1949). Concentrated Infusion of Krameria.
1 in 2.5; prepared by percolation with alcohol (25%).
Dose: 2 to 4 ml. (30 to 60 minims).

Lozenges of Krameria and Cocaine (B.P.C.). Troch. Kramer et Cocain.
Each contains dry extract of krameria 60 mg. (about 1 grain) and cocaine hydrochloride 3 mg. (about 1/20 grain) in tolu basis for lozenges.

Tinct. Kramer. (B.P.C. 1949). Tincture of Krameria (or Rhatany).
1 in 5; prepared by percolation with alcohol (60%).
Dose: 2 to 4 ml. (30 to 60 minims). Several foreign pharmacopoeias include a tincture of this strength.

Troch. Kramer. (B.P. 1948). Lozenges of Krameria. Each contains dry extract of krameria 60 mg. (about 1 grain).

Logwood (B.P.C. 1949). Hamatoxylum.
The unfermented heartwood of Haematoxylon campechianum (Leguminosae), containing about 10% of haematoxylin C16H14O6 3H2O=356.3) with tannin, resin, and a trace of volatile oil. Incompatible with metallic salts, especially those of iron and mercury.
Uses. Logwood has been used as a mild astringent in diarrhoea, usually in the form of a decoction (1 in 20 with 1% of cinnamon;
Dose: 0.5 to 2 fl. oz.) or liquid extract (1 in 1; dose: 30 to 120 minims).
Preparations of logwood may colour the faeces and urine red.

Myrobalan (B.P.C. 1934). Black Chebulic Myrobalans; Myrobalanum Petit or Small Myrobalan
Ind. P; Jangi Harara.
Dose: 2 to 4 g. (30 to 60 grains).
The dried immature fruits of Terminalia chebula (Combretaceae) containing 20 to 40% of tannin and a greenish oleoresin.
Uses. It is used in India and the Far East as an equivalent of gall. Ointment of Small Myrobalan and Small Myrobalan and Opium Ointment of the Indian Pharmacopoeia are equivalent to the corresponding ointments of gall of the B.P.C. but with a basis of paraffin ointment instead of benzoinated lard. Myrobalan (Ind. P.), or Harara, is the dried mature or nearly mature fruits of 'l'. chebula.

Oak Bark (B.P.C. 1934). Quercus; Quercus Cortex; Ecorce de Chene; Eichenrinde.
Foreign Pharmacopoeias: In Cz., Ger., Hung., Jug., Nor., Pol., and Swiss.
The dried bark from the smaller branches and young stems of the common oak, Quercus robur (= Q. pediculata) or the durmast oak, Q. petraea
(= Q. sessiliflora) ( Fagaceae). It contains 15 to 20% of quercitannic acid.
Uses. Oak bark has astringent properties and was formerly used, in the form of a decoction (about 1 in 15), as a rectal injection for haemorrhoids and as a gargle.

Red rose Petal (B.P.C. 1949). Ros. Pet.; Red Rose Petals; Flos Rosae; Fleur de Rose; Rosenblute.
The petals of the red or Provence rose, Rosa gallica (Rosaceae). Protect from light and moisture in a cool place.
Foreign Pharmacopoeia's: In Belg., Egyp., Fr., and Swiss; Fr. and Swiss allow also the petals of the cabbage rose, R. centifolia. Span, has Rosae Petala (Petalos de rosa) from R. centifolia, and Rosae Rubrae Flos (Flor de rosa roja), the flower-buds of R. gallica.
Uses. Red-rose petal is employed, usually as the acid infusion, for its mild astringent properties and as a colouring agent. The acid infusion is a convenient vehicle for gargles containing alum or tannin; it should not be prescribed with borax or other alkaline salts.

Conf. Ros. Gall. (B.P.C. 1934). Confection of Roses.
Red rose petal 25 and sucrose 75, beaten together in a stone mortar. It was formerly used as a pill excipient.

Inf. Ros. Acid. Conc. (B.P.C. 1949). Concentrated Acid Infusion of Rose.
Prepared from red rose petal 20 g., dilute sulphuric acid 10 ml., alcohol (90%,) 25 ml., and chloroform water 95 ml. The red-rose petal is macerated with the chloroform water and the resulting liquid is heated to boiling and cooled; the other ingredients are then added and the product is allowed to stand for not less than 14 days before filtering. It is approximately 8 times the strength of the fresh infusion.
Dose: 2 to 4 ml. (30 to 60 minims).

Inf. Ros. Acid. Rec. (B.P.C. 1949). Fresh Acid Infusion of Rose.
Red-rose petal 2.5 g., boiling water 100 g., and dilute sulphuric acid 1.25 ml. infused for 15 minutes and strained.
Dose: 15 to 30 ml. (0.5 to 1 fl. oz.).

Sambucus (B.P.C. 1949). Sambuc.; Elder Flowers; Fleurs de Sureau; Holunderbluten.
Foreign Pharmacopoeias: In Belg., Chil., Cz., Ger., Hung., Jug., Nor., Pol., Swed., and Swiss.
The dried corollas and stamens of the flowers of the elder, Sambucus nigra (Caprifoliaceae), together with a proportion of buds, pedicels, and ovaries. It contains about 0.3% of volatile oil. Protect from light and moisture in a cool place.
Uses. Sambucus, in the form of elder-flower water, is used as an astringent vehicle for eye and skin lotions. Elder-flower ointment, prepared by heating fresh sambucus in melted lard, has been used as a basis for pomades and cosmetic ointments.

Aq. Sambuc. Trip. (B.P.C. 1949). Triple Elder-flower Water; Triple Sambucus Water.
The undiluted elder-flower water of commerce prepared by distillation from the fresh flowers. It is a saturated aqueous solution of the volatile oil.

Aq. Sambuc. (B.P.C. 1949). Elder flower Water; Sambucus Water.
Triple elder-flower water 1 vol. and water 2 vol., mixed immediately before use.
COSMETICS. Formulae for sambucus ointment, lotion, liquid cream, and hand jelly.-J. Rae, Mfg Chem., 1952, 23, 472.

Tilia (B.P.C. 1949). Lime Flowers; Fleurs de Tilleul; Lindenbluten; Flor de tilo.
Foreign Pharmacopoeias: In Belg., Chil., Cz., Egyp., Fr., Ger., Hung., Jug., Pol., .Span., and Swiss.
The dried inflorescences, with their attached bracts, of Tilia europaea (Tiliaceae) and certain other species of Tilia, collected when the flowers are fully expanded. It contains tannin and a volatile oil. Protect from light and moisture.

Uses. Tilia is mildly astringent and is reputed to have spasmolytic and diaphoretic properties. Lime flower tea is a traditional domestic remedy.

Both images are taken from Denstons Pharmacognosy.

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