Health Dictionary
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Alhandal
Introduction
Alhandal was a term used in Arabian pharmacy for the purgative extract of colocynth, or Bitter Cucumber (Citrullus colocynthis).
The Troches of Alhandal, or Trochisci Alhandalæ, were a kind of troche, or tablet, composed of colocynth, bdellium, and gum tragacanth. They were esteemed good purgatives, and used on diverse occasions.
The word alhandal is formed of the Arabic handel, or handhal, a name for colocynth.
References
- Template:1728
- Salmon, William. Doron medicum; or a supplement to the new London dispensatory. 1683.