With regard to the chemistry of the flowers themselves, little information is available in the literature. Mabeng reports a partial but non-illuminating proximate analysis of the "herb," which he speaks well of as an anthelmintic. His statement that the odor is due to a volatile oil is no doubt correct, although he reports no analysis to determine this. His conclusion that "the bitter principle which is probably of an alkaloidal nature, * * * seems to be the active portion of the drug * * *," is also without foundation so far as his recorded data show. The flowers of our sample were more aromatic than those of either German or Roman chamomile; the aroma, however, was somewhat camphoraceous and lacked the sweetness and suggestion of amyl acetatelo which is especially pronounced in the flowers of Roman chamomile. The taste was strongly camphoraceous and was less bitter than that of Roman chamomile; in the latter respect it more nearly resembled the German. Whatever the real medicinal qualities of the flowers may be, their appearance, flavor and taste make it unlikely that the product will be accepted by the trade as a substitute for either German or Roman chamomile.
PHARMACOGNOSY LABORATORY, BUREAU OF CHEMISTRY.