Cephaelis ipecacuanha (Brot.) A. Richor C. acuminata Karst.
Family :
Rubiaceae
Habitat :
Native to forests of Brazil and adjoining South American countries.
Picture :
Description :
A small, shrubby plant bearing flowers with a five-part united calyx, a five-lobed corolla, five stamens, and a single pistil.The fruit is a small purple berry.The root of ipecac has the appearance of small rings strung on a central woody cord.Potentially toxic. Use as directed.
Uses :
Ipecac syrup is widely used as an emetic in the treatment of certain poisonings.The syrup is prepared from powdered ipecac.A number of commercial expectorant mixtures also contain precise amounts of standardized ipecac.These are the preferred dosage form of this useful expectorant.
