Logwood
Historical document, translated for reference. It reflects medical knowledge of the 1920s–30s and is not medical advice.
Summary
Logwood is a tree from the legume family whose dark red, hard wood contains hematoxylin and is used medicinally for diarrhea and in tanning. The article describes its botanical characteristics, chemical composition, medical preparations, and applications.
Encyclopedia entry (1928–1936)
LOGWOOD, Lignum campechianum (Austrian pharmacopoeia), is obtained from Haematoxylon campechianum L., a tree growing in South and Central America and cultivated in India and other tropical places. Belongs to the legume family (Leguminosae). The wood is dark red in color, hard, and heavy. Contains 9-12% hematoxylin (see), C16H14O6, tannin, traces of essential oil, resin, etc. Ash content not more than 3%. Logwood is used in decoctions against diarrhea (Decoctum Haematoxyli, British pharmacopoeia) consisting of 50 g logwood, 10 g cinnamon bark per 1,000 cm3 water, administered by tablespoon. It is well tolerated even with prolonged use. Extract (Extract. Haematoxyli)—0.5-1.5 g several times a day in pills or in red wine. Urine is colored red. When preparing the decoction and extract, metal vessels should be avoided. Additionally, logwood is used for tanning leather.
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“Logwood.” Soviet Medical Encyclopedia. English translation of Bolshaya Meditsinskaya Entsiklopediya, 1st ed. (Moscow, 1928–1936), ed. N. A. Semashko. https://sovietmedicalencyclopedia.pages.dev/article/logwood/