Rhubarb

(rzif-ba7-b) [L., Rheum~\. A genus of plants of the order Polygonaceae. The bark of Rheum of ficin ale, or Rheum palmatum (Rheum, U. S. P., Rhei radix, B. P.), contains chrysophanic acid, tannic acid (rheotannic acid), and several coloring principles, and is used as a laxative, stomachic, and astringent. Its chief uses are in dyspepsia with constipation, in the diarrhea of children, and in the beginning of bilious fevers. Dose gr. v-xxx (0.32-2.0). Preparations and doses: Extractum rhei (U. S. P., B. P.),gr. x-xv (0.65-I.0). Extractum rhei fluidum (U. S. P.), TT^x-xxx (0.65-2.0). Infusum rhei (B. P.), f^j-ij (32.0-64.0). Mistura rhei et sodae (U. S. P.), f^ -j (2.0-4.0). Pilulae rhei (U. S. P.), each of which contains gr. iij (0.20) of rhubarb. Pilulae rhei compos i tae (U. S. P.), Pilula rhei compos it a (B. P.), contain rhubarb and aloes. Dose 2-4 pills. Pulvis rhei compos it us (U. S. P., B. P.), Gregorv’s powder, ^ -j (2.0-4.0). Syrupus rhei (U. S. P., B. P.), f^j (4.0). Syrupus rhei aromatic us (U. S. P.), ft^j (4.0). Both of the foregoing are used chiefly for children, in the doses given. Tinctura rhei (U. S. P., B. P.), f^j-ij (4.0-8.0). Tinctura rhei aromatic a (U. S. P.),f^ -j (2.0-4.0). Tinctura rhei dulcis (U. S. P.), f^j-iij (4.0- 16.0). 12.0). Vinum rhei (B. P.), f^j-iv (4.0- Rhus genus (rus) [povc, of shrubs or sumac, gen., ofrhois~\. small trees A the order Anacardieae. The berries of R. glabra, or sumach (R. glabra, U. S. P.), are used as an astringent in inflammations of the mouth and throat, in the form of a decoction or the official Extractum rho is glabrae fluidum. R. toxicodendron, the poison-ivy, is a powerful irritant and produces in susceptible persons a violent dermatitis with vesicles and intense itching (ivy-poisoning). The active agent seems to be an acid called toxicodendric acid. In overdoses taken internally it acts as a narcotic poison. It has been employed in chronic rheumatism and in incontinence of urine. R. venenata, swamp-sumach, is also poisonous. 559