ZEA (U. S. P.)—ZEA. Action, Medical Uses, and Dosage

Corn-silk is diuretic and slightly anodyne, and, for the former purpose, has been found useful in many urinary troubles, associated with renal and cardiac disorders. In southern France, the inhabitants use it as a domestic remedy for calculi, gravel, and strangury. It has been found of value by physicians in the treatment of cystic irritation, due to phosphatic and uric acid concretions, and in both acute and chronic inflammations of the bladder, whether traumatic or idiopathic. Dropsy, when due to cardiac or renal origin, and particularly after such urinary disorders as those above mentioned, and pyelitis, catarrh of the bladder, and urinal retention appear to be benefited by the diuretic action of this drug, which action is said to be quite positive. Besides its diuretic effects, the drug seems to be a cardiac stimulant as well. In fact, its diuretic action is largely due to its tonic action upon the heart and blood vessels. It is especially of value in the bladder disorders of children, in gonorrhœa, and in cases where decomposition of the urine is prone to take place within the bladder. The active virtues are attributed to the maizenic acid, which may be given in ⅛-grain doses. However, the infusion of the fresh “silk” (silk ℥ii to boiling water Oj) is the most active preparation, and should be freely administered. The fluid extract, which is said to well represent the drug, may be given in doses of ½ to 2 fluid drachms, every 2 to 4 hours.