Cochineal
Historical document, translated for reference. It reflects medical knowledge of the 1920s–30s and is not medical advice.
Summary
This article describes cochineal, the dried females of the insect Coccus cacti, used as a red dye. It details their appearance, habitat, and chemical properties, including the production of carmine, and notes their limited historical therapeutic use.
Encyclopedia entry (1928–1936)
COCHINEAL (Coccionella), the dried females of the insect Coccus cacti (family Coccideae). They have the appearance of oval bodies, in which a magnifying glass can distinguish a head and 8 rings, and a complete absence of wings. They are found in Central America, California, and are bred on the Canary Islands and on the island of Java on cacti (Opuntia coccinellifera). Powdered cochineal is insoluble in water and alcohol, but by coloring them with the carmine contained in it, it gives a pink coloration, which turns from ammonia and alkalis into violet. Components: carmine, protein substances, and wax. Of the products of cochineal, carmine (see) is especially important. - Therapeutic application of cochineal is very limited; it was given for whooping cough, 0.1 g several times a day. Tincture (T-ra Coccio-nellae) is used in laboratories as an indicator.
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“Cochineal.” Soviet Medical Encyclopedia. English translation of Bolshaya Meditsinskaya Entsiklopediya, 1st ed. (Moscow, 1928–1936), ed. N. A. Semashko. https://sovietmedicalencyclopedia.pages.dev/article/cochineal/