Quillaja

Quillaja, Quillaja saponaria, an evergreen tree of the Rosaceae family (Chile, Peru, Bolivia). In medicine, the inner bark (Cortex Quillajae) is used, which is sold in the form of grooved pieces up to 1 m long. The fracture of the bark is splintery, the taste is sharp, and the powdered bark causes intense sneezing. The bark of Q. contains quillaya - saponin (see Saponins), or quillain C_uH₃oOxoi, an amorphous white powder without poisonous properties, and quillaya - sapotoxin C₁₇H_2вO₁₀ + -|-H₂O, a white amorphous, burning, characteristic-tasting powdery substance, very poisonous. According to the latest research by Schroeder, there is only one saponin in the bark, which easily decomposes; the main core of this saponin and its decomposition products corresponds to the formula C_2вH₄₄O₈. Q. is used as an expectorant for emphysema, chronic bronchitis, and catarrhal inflammations of the lungs, especially in the elderly and children. The expectorant effect occurs as a result of reflex irritation of the gastric mucosa. It is hardly absorbed by the gastrointestinal tract. It is prescribed in the form of a decoction of 3.0-5.0 in 150.0 every 2-3 hours with tablespoons; sometimes in the form of a liquid extract and tincture. It is also used for foul-smelling rhinitis and pharyngitis in the form of douches or gargles with a decoction. Quillaya causes vomiting and diarrhea less frequently than senega prescribed for the same indications. Due to its saponin content, the bark of Q. is used for washing fabrics and other technical purposes.