Abstract

The data contained in tables 1 and 2 indicate that powdered, air-dried Burdock root exhibits a nitrogen-sparing action on dogs fed a protein diet. The percentage drop in nitrogen output observed by Shimizu (9) was 7.5 when dogs were fed pure inulin. The average percentage drop in nitrogen output observed by the present authors was 7.6. The data contained in table 3 based upon fecal elimination indicate an average absorption of 86 per cent. It appears that the uncooked root is absorbed more completely than the cooked substance: it is possible that cooking inactivates the inulases of the root which augment the hydrolysis of the carbohydrate.