Alhandal
Encyclopedia
Alhandal was a term used in Arabian
pharmacy
for the purgative extract of colocynth
, or Bitter Cucumber (Citrullus colocynthis).
, or tablet
, composed of colocynth
, bdellium
, and gum tragacanth. They were esteemed good purgative
s, and used on diverse occasions.
Arabic language
Arabic is a name applied to the descendants of the Classical Arabic language of the 6th century AD, used most prominently in the Quran, the Islamic Holy Book...
pharmacy
Pharmacy
Pharmacy is the health profession that links the health sciences with the chemical sciences and it is charged with ensuring the safe and effective use of pharmaceutical drugs...
for the purgative extract of colocynth
Colocynth
Citrullus colocynthis, commonly known as the colocynth, bitter apple, bitter cucumber, egusi, or vine of Sodom , is a viny plant native to the Mediterranean Basin and Asia, especially Turkey , Nubia, and Trieste...
, or Bitter Cucumber (Citrullus colocynthis).
Characteristics
The Troches of Alhandal , or Trochisci Alhandalæ, were a kind of trocheTroche
Troche is a commune in the Corrèze department in central France.-Population:...
, or tablet
Tablet
A tablet is a pharmaceutical dosage form. It comprises a mixture of active substances and excipients, usually in powder form, pressed or compacted from a powder into a solid dose...
, composed of colocynth
Colocynth
Citrullus colocynthis, commonly known as the colocynth, bitter apple, bitter cucumber, egusi, or vine of Sodom , is a viny plant native to the Mediterranean Basin and Asia, especially Turkey , Nubia, and Trieste...
, bdellium
Bdellium
Bdellium is an aromatic gum like myrrh that is exuded from a tree. A medieval Arab writer first made the identification with gum guggul, the species Commiphora wightii, although "bdellium" has also been used to identify the African species C. africana and at least one other Indian species, C....
, and gum tragacanth. They were esteemed good purgative
Laxative
Laxatives are foods, compounds, or drugs taken to induce bowel movements or to loosen the stool, most often taken to treat constipation. Certain stimulant, lubricant, and saline laxatives are used to evacuate the colon for rectal and/or bowel examinations, and may be supplemented by enemas under...
s, and used on diverse occasions.