The dried transverse sections of the root of Ferula Sumbul. Imported from Russia and India.

Characters. - Cylindrical pieces, varying considerably in diameter and thickness. They are covered on the outer edge with a dusky brown rough bark, frequently beset with short, bristly fibres. The cut surface looks like felt from the interior of the root consisting of easily separated fibres. It has a strong odour, resembling that of musk. The taste is at first sweetish, becoming after a time bitterish.

Composition. - A resin soluble in ether, and a small quantity of an essential oil.

Preparations.

B.P.

Dose.

Tinctura Sumbul (2 1/2 oz. in 1 pint).............................................

10-60 min.

U.S.P.

Tinctura Sumbul (10 per cent.)..........................................................

1-4 fl. dr.

Use. - Sumbul is said by some to be of little service; however, it seems useful in the malady for which it is usually prescribed, viz., hysteria and nervous conditions occurring in females in feeble health or recovering from an acute disease.