16794.  Misbranding of Dionol.     U.  S. v. 4 Dozen Pacliag-es  of Dionol.     De- 
fault decree of condemnation, forfeiture, and destrnctioia.     (F. &.
D. No. 23369.    I. S. No. 04122.    S. No. 1535.)
On February 5, 1929, the United States attorney for the District of Columbia, 
acting upon a report by the Secretary of Agriculture, filed in the Supreme Court 
of the district aforesaid, holding a District Court, a libel praying seizure and 
condemnation of 4 dozen packages of Dionol, remaining in the original unbroken 
packages at Washington, D. C, alleging that the article had been shipped by the 
Dionol Co., from Detroit, Mich., on or about January 14, 1929, and transported: 
from the State of Michigan into the District of Columbia, and charging mis- 
branding in violation of the food and drugs act as amended.
Analysis of a sample of the article by this department showed that it consisted' 
of white petrolatum.
It was alleged in the libel that the article was misbranded in that the- 
following statements regarding the curative and therapeutic effects of the said: 
article, (carton) " Localized inflammations such as hemorrhoids * * * infec- 
tions, * * * inflammatory throat and lung conditions, etc.," (circular) 
" For local inflammation in and all parts of the body. * * * General Direc- 
tions : * * * In severe cases with high inflammation, apply fresh ointment 
every few hours, after removing the ointment previously applied, with clean, 
gauze. On ulcerated surfaces, gauze may be interposed between the flesh and' 
the cotton. Important- * * * In throat and lung diseases and where 
otherwise indicated, a small quantity of plain Dionol may be given internally.
* * * Dionol is indicated wherever localized inflammation is present and* 
especially in the following conditions: Infected Wounds, Ulcers * * * 
Endometritis, Pelvic Congestions, Pneumonia-Influenza, Throat and Lung Trou- 
bles, Inflammatory Skin Troubles, Glandular Swellings, Obstetric Complications, 
Hemorrhoids * * * Neuritis. Wounds-1. If Dionol is applied to a wound 
from which the visible dirt has been removed before the inflammation occurs, 
it will prevent the onset of acute inflammation. If there is severe destruction-, 
of the tissues, cutting off the nerve and blood supply, the tissues thus deprived: 
will of course die, but there will be no further spread of the inflammation. 
Ulcers In General-Dionol is very effective in ulcerous conditions generally. 
Indolent ulcers and varicose ulcers yield readily under its use. In the case of 
the so-called chronic or obstinate ulcers of long standing, the element of local 
inflammation has had added to it another which produces considerable indura- 
tion of the tissues and is responsible for failure to respond to ordinary methods.
* * * It is also noted that in chronic cases, where there is considerable 
induration, the primary applications of Dionol may be followed by pain and 
soreness in the region.   This is due to the overcoming of the stasis; the old and
partially atrophied blood vessels and tissues are being filled with new blood. 
* * * Periostitis, Felons, Boils, Abscesses, Carbuncles, Swollen Glands, 
Peritonitis-in these conditions and wherever local inflammation is present, 
marked results will quickly follow the use of Dionol applied as per general 
directions. * * * This prescription-the suggestion of a nasal specialist, is 
exceptionally effective in * * * catarrhal stenosis, etc., etc. It is particu- 
larly effective in herpes facialis ('cold sores,'' fever blisters') * * * Dionol 
For Pelvic Congestions and Orificial Uses * * * Piles-Apply Dionol exter- 
nally. Also inject it by means of the rectal pipe, retaining the Dionol all night. 
Also after stool, when convenient. Urethral Irritation in Women-Apply 
Dionol Ointment locally over the vulva and inject a small amount directly into 
the urethra. The pile pipe accompanying the Dionol tube may be used for this 
purpose. Endometritis'-Apply 2 drams Dionol on tampon. Retain 24 hours. 
Remove and follow with douche of plain warm water. Repeat daily long as 
necessary. Apply Dionol externally over abdomen nightly. * * * The two 
important factors to be remembered in administering Dionol treatment are to 
bring the ointment into contact with the affected area and keep the applications 
as nearly continuous as possible," w re false and fraudulent in that the article 
contained no ingredient or combination of ingredients capable of producing 
the effects claimed, and in that the said statements were applied to the article 
knowingly and in reckless and wanton disregard of their truth or falsity, so 
as to represent falsely and fraudulently to purchasers thereof and create in the 
minds of such purchasers the impression and belief that it was effective in the 
diseases and conditions named therein.
On August 19, 1929, no claimant having appeared for the property, judgment 
of condemnation and forfeiture was entered, and it was ordered by the court 
that the product be destroyed by the United States marshal.
R. W. DUNLAP, Acting Secretary of Agrioulture.