Kusso

KUSSO (Kusso, s. Koso, Flores Koso, s. Flores Brayerae), the dried female flowers after maturation of the tree Hagenia abyssinica (Willdenow), s. Brayera anthelmintica (Kunth), family Rosaceae, growing in the mountains of Abyssinia. The sepals and bracts of the female flowers are red in color; a brown color indicates a stale, spoiled preparation, while an admixture of green indicates the presence of male flowers in the preparation, which do not contain the active principle of kusso (male flowers are also recognized by the presence of pollen). Female kusso has a faint odor resembling elderberry and a taste that is partly astringent and partly irritating and bitter, causing nausea. Kusso is relatively rarely delivered to the European market in good condition, which is why the pharmaceutical preparation is often found to be of low activity. The active principle of kusso is a neutral substance, kosotoxin or kossotoxin, C₂₆H₃₄O₁₀, a yellowish amorphous powder, insoluble in water, soluble in alcohol, formerly bearing the name kussin (Kussin, as well as Taenin). Along with kosotoxin, which has one methoxyl group, other substances containing two methoxyl groups each (protokosin and kosidin) have been discovered in kusso. The a- and ß-kosins described by various authors are probably decomposition products of kosotoxin. The latter can be decomposed by means of alkalis, forming phloroglucinol and isobutyric acid, and thus proves to be very close chemically to the active principles of other taeniafuga (male fern, etc.). Kusso is used as an anthelmintic, and kosotoxin, in view of its high toxicity and the rarity of this preparation in pure form, is not used. The pharmacological action of kusso consists in the paralysis of the neuromuscular apparatus of worms; losing due to this the ability to hold onto the intestinal wall by means of suckers, the worms are expelled from the intestine along with feces by the subsequent administration of a laxative. Complicating factors in the treatment with kusso are nausea and vomiting, which are combated by the administration of lemon juice, peppermint lozenges, hot coffee, etc., as well as diarrhea. Kusso is used in the form of Mixtura agitanda and tablets. Since the active principle is poorly soluble in water, decoctions and infusions are ineffective. Dose: 15–20.0 of kusso flowers in one or two doses at one-hour intervals (it can be given in milk). If spontaneous bowel movement does not occur within 4–5 hours, castor oil (Oleum Ricini) or sodium sulfate (Natrium sulfuricum) is prescribed.

V. Karasik. KUTOL, basic aluminum borotannate; contains 13.8% aluminum hydroxide, 39.2% boric acid, and 47% tannic acid. Used as an astringent and mild disinfectant for skin diseases in 10% ointments.