Hemidesmi Radix - Hemidesmus Root. -The dried root of Hemidesmus indicus. Imported from India.

Characters.-Yellowish-brown, cylindrical, tortuous, furrowed, and with annular cracks, having a fragrant odour, and a very agreeable flavour.

Substances resembling Hemidesmus: Sarsaparilla, Ipecacuanha, Senega. Hemidesmus is known by cracks and absence of twisting.

Composition.-The composition of hemidesmus is imperfectly known. It is believed to contain hemidesmic acid, a volatile crystallisable substance.

Preparation. Syrupus Hemidesmi.-1 in 8. Lose, 1 to 4 fl.dr.

Action And Uses

Hemidesmus is used in India as an alterative in lieu of sarsaparilla, and the same obscurity exists respecting the action and value of this as of the other drug. See Sarsoe Radix, p. 355.