RT Journal
T1 CUrrent comment
JF Journal of the American Medical Association
JO Journal of the American Medical Association
YR 1949
FD September 10
VO 141
IS 2
SP 138
OP 138
DO 10.1001/jama.1949.02910020032012
UL http://dx.doi.org/10.1001/jama.1949.02910020032012
AB NEW SOURCE OF SUPPLY FOR CORTISONE 
    Following the first announcement of the use and value of cortisone in rheumatic diseases came the startling statement that an African plant can be used as a source of supply for this substance. Until recently cortisone was prepared solely from a bile acid. Unfortunately, the product is difficult to manufacture and the supplies even for clinical investigation are so limited that a committee has been formed to aid in the distribution of the drug for research.1 Many victims of arthritis have requested physicians to use cortisone. Such requests now have increased with the announcement that the African Strophanthus seed may provide more of this scarce remedy. Many problems remain for solution; for example, the species which contain the basic material must be identified, conditions of growth studied and other factors explored. Adequate supplies of cortisone from any source will not be available in