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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 حنظل ḥanðˤal, transliterated ḥanẓal or ḥandhal, a name for colocynth.

References

• This article incorporates content from the 1728 Cyclopaedia, a publication in the public domain.
• Salmon, William. Doron medicum; or a supplement to the new London dispensatory. 1683.