CALUM′BINE

Syn. Calom′bine , Calum′bin a . A bitter substance discovered by Wittstock in calumba root. Prep. 1. Digest calumba root (in coarse powder) in water acidulated with acetic acid; expre , filter, boil to one half, again filter, add carbonate of calcium, in slight exce , and evaporate to dryne in a water bath; reduce the residuum to powder, and digest it in boiling alcohol; the latter will deposit crystals of CALUMBINE on cooling. 2. (Wittstock.) Evaporate tincture of calumba root (made with rectified spirit) to dryne ; di olve the residuum in water, and agitate the solution with an equal bulk of ether; after repose for a short time, decant the ethereal portion, distil off most of the ether, and set the liquid aside to crystallise. Prop., . Impure calumbine occurs as a yellow-brown ma ; when pure, it forms rhombic prismatic crystals or delicate white needles; it is only slightly soluble in alcohol, ether, and water; 40 parts of boiling rectified spirit take up only 1 part of calumbine. Its best solvent is acetic acid; it is also soluble in acidulated and alkalised water. Neither nut-galls nor metallic salts affect its solution. Concentrated sulphuric acid di olves it, and a umes first a yellow, and then a red colour. Its properties indicate that weak vinegar or sour wine would be the best menstruum for extracting the medicinal virtues of calumba root. Dose , 1 to 3 gr. twice a day as a tonic and stomachic, in dyspepsia, debilitated stomach, bilious vomiting, .; and in the later periods of dysentery and diarrhœa.