PODOPHYLLIN

PODOPHYLLIN is the resin obtained by means of rectified spirit from the root. In the British Pharmacopœia the root is officinal, but is only used to prepare the resin (Podophylli Resina). The latter is an active purgative, and seems to have the power of relieving the liver by exciting copious bilious discharges. The dose is $\backslash frac\{1\}\{4\}$ to 1 grain; its action is slow, generally taking about eight hours. It is apt to gripe, and hence is usually given along with carminatives, or in small doses combined with other purgatives.