(Non-official.Casca Bark.)

Origin. - A glycosid obtained from the bark of Erythrophloeum Guineense Don, known under the names of Casca bark, Sassy bark, and Ordeal bark. The tree is a native of West Africa, the plant being used by the natives as an ordeal in witchcraft.

Description and Properties. - Erythrophlein hydrochloride, the salt usually employed, occurs in the form of whitish crystals, soluble in water.

Dose. - 1/60-1/12 grain (0.01-0.005 Grtu).

Physiological Action and Therapeutics. - The powdered bark when inhaled causes violent sneezing. The tincture of the bark, or the glycosid, when taken in poisonous doses occasions nausea, vomiting, purging, intense headache, intoxication, convulsions, and death.

In medicinal doses the drug affects the circulatory system after the manner of digitalis, and acts upon the kidneys as an active diuretic. It was at one time supposed to be a powerful local anesthetic; further examination, however, has proved the claim to be unfounded.

Casca bark or its glycosid has been employed in intermittent fever, diarrhea, dysentery, and dyspepsia. Its chief medical uses are in valvular disease of the heart and as a diuretic in cardiac and renal dropsies.

Administration. - A tincture of the bark (10 per cent. strength) may be given internally, diluted with water, in doses of 5 to 10 minims (0.3-0.6 Cc). Erythrophlein hydrochlorate is usually given hypo-dermically.