Alhandal

Alhandal was a term used in Arabian pharmacy for the purgative extract of colocynth, or Bitter Cucumber (Citrullus colocynthis).

Characteristics

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.

Etymology

The word alhandal is derived from the Arabic ﺍﻝحنظل al-ḥanẓal, a name for colocynth.

References

•  This article incorporates text from a publication now in the public domain: Chambers, Ephraim, ed. (1728). Cyclopædia, or an Universal Dictionary of Arts and Sciences (1st ed.). James and John Knapton, et al. {{cite encyclopedia}}: Missing or empty |title= (help)
• Salmon, William. Doron medicum; or a supplement to the new London dispensatory. 1683.