The dried root of Gentiana lutea. Mountainous districts of Central and South Europe.

Fig. 208. Gentian, half the natural size.

Fig. 208. - Gentian, half the natural size.

Characters. - From half an inch to one inch in thickness, several inches in length, often twisted, much wrinkled, or marked with close transverse rings; brown externally, yellow within; tough and spongy; taste at first sweetish, afterwards very bitter.

Composition. - Gentio-picrin, from which the root derives its bitter taste; it is soluble in water. Also gentianin, which is tasteless and only slightly soluble in water.

Preparations.

B.P.

Dose.

Extractum Gentianae..........................................................................

2-10 gr.

Infusum Gentianae Compositum..........................

1-2 fl. oz.

Tinctura Gentianae Composita...........................................................

1/2-1fl. dr.

U.S.P.

Extractum Gentianae..............................................................................

2 10 gr.

,, ,, Fluidum ..............................................................

8-30 min.

Tinctura ,, Composita............................................................

1 4 fl. dr.

B.P. Infusum Gentianae Compositum. Root, 1 part; bitter orange peel,R 1 part; fresh lemon peel, 2 parts; and boiling water, 80 parts.

Tinctura Gentianae Compositum.- Root, 1 1/2 oz.; bitter orange peel, 3/4 oz.; cardamoms, 1/4 oz.; proof spirit, 20 fl. oz., B.P. Gentian, 8; bitter orange peel, 4; cardamom, 2; diluted alcohol up to 100, U.S.P.

Use. - Gentian is a simple, bitter stomachic tonic. It is used in atonic dyspepsia, to give tone to the stomach and increase the appetite. Also used as a general tonic.