The fresh and dried roots of Taraxacum officinale (T. Dens-leonis).

Characters. - Tap-shaped roots, smooth and dark-brown externally, white within, easily broken, and giving out an inodorous, bitter, milky juice, which becomes pale-brown by exposure.

Composition. - They contain a bitter principle - taraxacin - sugar, inulin, and a considerable quantity of potassium and calcium salts.

Impurity. - Common hawkbit fraudulently mixed.

Tests. - Not wrinkled or pale-coloured externally; juice not watery; any adherent leaves runicate and quite smooth.

Preparations.

B.P.

Dose.

Decoctum Taraxaci (dried root, 1 oz.; water, 1 pint)...........................

2-4 fl. oz.

Extractum ,, (fresh)...................................................................

5-30 gr.

Succus ,, (fresh)..................................................................

1-2 fl. dr. or more.

U.S.P.

Extractum Taraxaci...............................................................................

30-60 gr.

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

1/2-2 fl. dr.

Action and Uses. - It is supposed to have a stimulant action on the liver, increasing its secretion, and is used in biliary disorders and dyspepsia. It has also a diuretic action.