Prunus

(pru'-nus). A genus of rosaceous trees. P. virgin i an a. Wild cherry. In pharmacy, the bark of Prunus serotina. It contains amygdalin. tannic acid, emulsin, and a bitter extractive. Amygdalin in watery solution with emulsin is decomposed into hydrocyanic acid and a volatile oil. Wild cherry is aromatic and feebly tonic; it is largely used in pulmon ary tuberculosis to quiet the cough and to calm the nervous system; also in coughs of bronchitis. It is an ingredient of various proprietary cough-mixtures. Dose of the bark 3 -j; of the fld. ext. 3 -j; of a 4 per cent, infusion of a 12 per cent, syrup P. virgin i an a (true). See Choke Cherry.