Origin. - The dried root-bark of the rhizome of Rubus villosus Ait., Rubus nigro-baccus Bailey, or of Rubus cuneifolium Pursh., common shrubby North American plants.

Description and Properties. - Thin, tough, flexible bands, outer surface blackish or blackish-gray, inner surface pale-brownish, sometimes with strips of whitish, tasteless wood adhering; inodorous; taste strongly astringent, somewhat bitter.

Official Preparation

Fluidextractum Rubi - Fluidextracti Rubi - Fluidextract of Rubus. - Dose, 1/2-2 fluidrams (2.0-8.0 Cc.) [15 minims (1 Cc), U. S. P.].

Physiological Action. - Identical with that of tannic acid.

Therapeutics. - Internally. - The fluidextract is used in the summer diarrhea of children - practically its only employment. An infusion of the leaves is claimed by Popoff to be an excellent remedy for debility of the bladder.

Administration. - The fluidextract and the infusion are used as medicinal agents. The syrupus rubi idaei is used only as a vehicle. Blackberry cordial and blackberry brandy are favorite modes of administration. It is commonly believed by the laity that the various blackberry and raspberry preserves are efficacious as remedies in diarrhea; on the contrary, they are highly irritating, because of the seeds present in them.