15561.  Misbranding of  Norma.     U.   S.  v.  35 Bottles, et al., of Norma.     De- 
fault   decrees   of  condemnation,  forfeiture,  and   destruction.     (P,
& D. Nos. 22200, 22396.    S. Nos. 246. 455.)
On or about November 25, 1927, and January 26, 1928, respectively, the 
United States, attorney for the District of Maryland, acting upon reports by 
the Secretary of Agriculture, filed in the District Court of the United States 
for said district libels praying seizure and condemnation of 70 bottles of 
Norma, remaining- in the original unbroken packages at Baltimore, Md., alleging 
that the article had been shipped by the Norma Laboratories, from Albany, 
N. Y., in part on or about September; 9, 1927", and in part on or about January 
12, 1928, and had been transported from the State of New York into the State 
of Maryland, and charging misbranding in violation of the food and drugs act 
as amended.
Analysis of a sample of the product by this department showed that it con- 
sisted essentially of phosphate, a small amount of plant extract, glycerin, and 
water, and was colored red.
It was alleged in the libels that the article was misbranded, in that the 
following statements, regarding the curative and therapeutic effects of the 
said article, were false and fraudulent, since it contained no ingredient or 
combination of ingredients capable of producing the effects claimed: (Bottle 
label, on portion, of product) "A medicdne containing an ingredient recognized 
by many leading physicians as helpful in the treatment of High Blood Pres- 
sure; " (circular accompanying said portion) "The function of Norma is to aid
Nature in its efforts to relieve the many sufferers from the distressing and 
unpleasant symptoms which usually accompany and manifest themselves in 
high blood pressure. High Blood Pressure is not a disease. . It is a symptom 
of some disorder or abnormal condition. Sometimes it may be a result ol 
mental worry or strain, then again it may be the consequence of unhygienic 
living, over and improper feeding, insufficient physical exercise, accumulation 
of poisons or toxins in the system, change of life or various other causes. 
To determine the cause an examination by a physician is desirable. As Norma 
does not remove the cause of high blood pressure, it is advisable to discover the 
cause and use corrective medical or hygienic measures while taking Norma. 
Norma, however, usually reduces high blood pressure and thereby relieves 
dizziness, head pains, nervousness, restlessness, sleeplessness and other dis- 
comforts and pains accompanying it. Those Who Know They Have High Blood 
Pressure. Thousands of persons have been told by insurance medical examiners 
and practicing physicians that they have high blood pressure. Such persons 
usually, find great relief with Norma which, reduces most forms of high blood 
pressure promptly and satisfactorily. It thereby tends to biing relief from 
dizziness, head pains, nervousness, sleeplessness, restlessness, melancholia and 
other distress and ills due to high blood pressure and usually enables blood pres^ 
sure sufferers to go about their daily work and pleasures in comfort. One bottle 
often brings wonderful relief;" (bottle label, remainder of product) "A Vaso 
Motor dilator. The action of Norma is to relieve the strain on the arteries and 
blood vessels."
On March 1, 1928, no claimant having appeared for the property, judgments 
of condemnation and forfeiture were entered, and it was ordered by the court 
that the product be destroyed by the United States marshal.
W. M. JARDINE, Secretary of Agriculture.