1179. Misbranding of Dr. Corley's Alkaline Broth and Dr. Corley's Laxx.    U. S.
v. Dr. Bnren L. Corley   (Dr. Corley's Products).    Plea of guilty.    Fine,
$450.     (F. D. C. No. 10540.    Sample Nos. 12857-F to 12859-F, incl., 12861-F.)
On September 16, 1943, the United States attorney for the Northern District
of California filed an information against Dr. Buren L. Corley, trading as Dr.
Corley's Products, San Francisco, Calif., alleging shipment from the State of
California into the State of Oregon of a quantity of the above-named products on
or about July 7, 1942, and of a quantity of Dr. Corley's Laxx on or about
September 12, 1942.
Analysis of Dr. Corley's Alkaline Broth disclosed that,the article consisted
essentially of plant material including kelp and celery, meat extractive, and
sodium chloride; and analysis of another drug, Dr. Corley's Garlic Tablets,
showed that it consisted essentially of ground parsley, ground garlic, and
probably ground onions, and that it was coated with calcium carbonate and
sugar. The Alkaline Broth was alleged to be misbranded because of false
and misleading statements appearing in its labeling which represented and sug-
gested that the article would be efficacious as a blood alkalizer and would
neutralize or combat body acids, clear acid from the blood, and alkalize the
system; that it would be efficacious in the treatment of acid indigestion, anemia,
asthma, auto-intoxication, biliousness, colitis, colds, constipation, catarrh, excess
perspiration, food disagreements, gas-bloat, general low vitality, gall bladder
trouble, high blood pressure, hay fever, heartburn, headaches, liver trouble,
muscular aches and pains, nervous indigestion, overweight, poor appetite, rheu-
matism, skin eruptions, sinus trouble, sour stomach, gastritis, and low blood
pressure; that another drug, Dr. Corley's Laxx, would be efficacious to cleanse
the intestines thoroughly, like a soft, smooth sponge; and that another drug,
Dr. Corley's Garlic Tablets, would be efficacious in the treatment of inflammation
of the intestines.
Analysis of Dr. Corley's Laxx disclosed that the article consisted essentially'
of karaya gum, whole psyllium seed, anise seed, senna leaf fragments, a small
proportion of peppermint leaf fragments, a trace of buckthorn bark, and unidenti-
fied seeds, stems, and woody material.
A portion of the Laxx was alleged to be misbranded because of false and mis-
leading statements appearing in its labeling which represented and suggested
that it would be efficacious to cleanse the intestines thoroughly like a soft, smooth
sponge; that it would cure constipation and relieve sluggish intestinal conditions;
that it would be efficacious in the cure, mitigation, treatment, or prevention of
acid indigestion, anemia, asthma, auto-intoxication, biliousness, colitis, colds,
catarrh, excess perspiration, food disagreements, gas-bloat, general low vitality,
gall bladder trouble, high blood pressure, hay fever, heartburn, headaches, liver
trouble, muscular aches and pains, nervous indigestion, overweight, poor appetite,
rheumatism, skin eruptions, sinus trouble, sour stomach, gastritis, and low blood
pressure; that another drug, Dr. Corley's Alkaline Broth, would be efficacious as
a blood alkalizer and would neutralize or combat body acids, clear acid from the
blood and alkalize the system; and that another drug, Dr. Corley's Garlic Tab-
lets, would be efficacious in the treatment of inflammation of the intestines.
The remainder of the Laxx was alleged to be misbranded because of false and
misleading statements in its labeling which represented and suggested that it
would be efficacious as a cure for constipation and for relieving sluggish intestinal
conditions; that it would cleanse the intestines thoroughly, like a soft, smooth
sponge; that it would be an efficacious treatment for colitis; that it would assure
one of eating and sleeping well; that it would help overcome chronic sluggish
conditions of the liver and bowels, help in combatting stubborn cases of intestinal
irritation, sweep and cleanse the stomach and intestines, and remove poisonous
waste materials; that it would be efficacious in the treatment of asthma, acid
indigestion, acne, biliou,sness, colds, catarrh; excess perspiration, food disagree-
ments causing gas and bloat, general low vitality, gas, headaches, hay fever,
muscular pains and aches, nervous indigestion, poor appetite, rheumatism, slug-
gish liver, sinus trouble, sour stomach, and toxic fatigue; that it was a health
product; that it alone or in combination with Dr. Corley's Vitamin Tablets or
with Dr. Corley's Alkaline Health Broth, or with both of those products, would
constitute an efficacious treatment for swelling of the hands and other joints,
soreness and stiffness of the neck and ankle, dizziness, puffed condition of veins
of the back of the hands, heart trouble, and poor color in the face; that it would
put the body in the condition to regain health by ridding it of its worn-out chemi-
cals, as well as toxic, poisonous substances; that it would cleanse the body and
pave the way so that diet and a health-building program would be able to work
effectively toward a speedy recovery; that it would constitute an efficacious
treatment for heart trouble, ulcer, kidney disease, high blood pressure, arthritis,
excess acid, digestive disturbances, and acidosis; that it would be efficacious
against indigestion, acid stomach, nervousness, a tired, worn-out feeling, gas-
tritis, colitis, hemorrhoids (piles), lumbago, neuritis, bronchitis, eczema, and
overweight and underweight; that Dr. Corley's Alkalizing Health Broth would
be efficacious in relieving gas, acid, bloating, and various digestive conditions, and
would help clear the acid from the blood and help alkalize the system; and that
Dr. Corley's Garlic Tablets v*)uld be efficacious in the treatment of inflammation
of the intestines and various intestinal conditions which often cause high blood
pressure.
The Alkaline Broth was also alleged to be misbranded under the provisions of
the law applicable to foods, as reported in notices of judgment on foods.
On November 30, 1943, the defendant entered a plea of guilty and the court
imposed a total fine of $450, distributed as follows ?/$300 on the counts involving
drugs, and $150 on the counts involving foods.