colocynth (kol'o-sinth)

The fruit of Citrullus colocynth is, an annual plant of Turkey, but growing in various parts of Asia and Africa. The pulp alone (the colocynth i dis pulp a of the Br. Ph., the colocynth is of the U. S. Ph.) is employed medicinally. Its bitter principle is colocynth in, of which it contains 14 per cent, besides extractives. C. is a powerful drastic purgative and hydragogue. It enters largely into the composition of various pills and extracts, and, when modified by other ingredients, forms a very efficient and mild purgative. C. is used in the form of the extract, or compound extract, usually in combination with other cathartics. List of poisons and their antidotes, see in appendix, page 938. c. pulp. See colocynth is [Br. Ph.]. [Gr., kolokynthis.l