Muscles – NoMoSpazms Tincture

Medical Botany, 1790-1794, Written by William Woodville, M. D. - Angelica Root

The root is biennial, long, thick, and furnished with numerous fibres: the stalk is thick, strong, jointed, channelled, round, of a purplish colour, rises to the height of six or eight feet, and sends off several branches, which terminate in large umbels: the leaves are pinnated, large, numerous, confining of several pairs of oval, serrated, pointed, veined, irregular shaped lobes or pinnae, terminated by an odd one; the flowers grow in large terminal umbels, which are round, and composed of many radii: the corolla is small, white, and divided into five petals, which have their points turned inwards: the general involucrum consists of three or five narrow pointed leaves, the partial involucrum of five, and the calyx is cut into five minute segments; the five stamina are longer-than the petals, spreading, and furnished with roundish anthers: the germen is placed below the corolla, and supports two reflected styles, crowned with obtuse stigmata: the seeds are two, oval, flat on one side, convex on the other, and marked with three furrows.—It is a native of Lapland, ["Ubique peromnes alpes Lapponiae juxta rivulos vulgaris est." Lin. Flor. Lap, p. 67.] and flowers in June and August. Angelica, as a native of a northern climate, seems to have been unknown to the ancients. It has been cultivated in Britain more than two centuries, [Cultivated in 1568. Turn. herb. part. 3. p. 5. Vide Hort. Kew.] and its medical character [We may also add its use in confectionary.] has rendered it of sufficient importance to be very generally propagated by the English gardener.—The roots of Angelica have a fragrant agreeable smell, and a bitterish pungent taste: on being chewed they are first sweetish, afterwards acrid, and leave a glowing heat in the mouth and fauces, which continues for some time. The stalk, leaves, and seeds, which are also directed in the Pharmacopoeias, appear to possess the same qualities, though in an inferior degree. It is said that "on wounding the fresh root early in the spring, it yields from the inner part of the bark an unctuous yellowish odorous juice, which gently exsiccated retains its fragrance, and proves an elegant aromatic gummy resin. On cutting the dry root longitudinally, the resinous matter, in which the virtue and flavour of Angelica resides, appears concreted in little veins." [Lewis Mat. Med. p. 59.] Rectified spirit extracts the whole of the virtues of the root; water but very little; and in distillation with the latter, a small portion of very pungent essential oil may be obtained. We are told by Linnaeus, that the Laplanders entertain a high opinion of the utility of Angelica, and employ it both as food and as a medicine [Flor. Lap, a. c,]; and since Aromatic plants are rarely inhabitants of the Polar regions, their partiality for Angelica is extremely natural: and from the enumeration of the virtues of this plant by Bergius, [Virtus: alexiteria, slomachica, sudorifera, carminativa. It may be remarked that he says nothing of its usus. Mat. Med. p. 205. It was formerly recommended in female diseases. Mensibus lochiisque obstructis, partu difficili, suffocatione uteri; contra venena, & febres malignas.] we should also suspect him of being influenced by the same physical cause. Angelica must however be allowed to possess aromatic, and what are called carminative, powers, and is used accordingly in the tinctura aromatica of the Edinb. Pharm. but as many other simples surpass it in these qualities, it is seldom employed in the present practice.

The Dispensatory of the United States of America, 1918, Edited by Joseph P. Remington, Horatio C. Wood and others. - Black Cohosh

Cimicifugae Rhizoma, Br., 1898, Actaeae Racemosae Radix; Cohosh; Macrotys; Rattleroot; Squaw Root; Rattle Snake Root; Bugbane; Rattle Weed; Richweed; Bugwort, Rattletop; Racine d'Actee a Grappes, Fr.; Schwarze Schlangenwurzel, G. Cimicifuga was dismissed from the Br. Pharm., 1914. Cimicifuga racemosa is a tall stately plant, having a perennial root, and a simple herbaceous stem, which rises from four to eight feet in height. The leaves are large, and ternately decompound, having oblong-ovate leaflets, incised and toothed at their edges. The flowers are small, white, and disposed in a long, terminal, wand-like raceme, with occasionally one or two shorter racemes near its base. The calyx is white, four-leaved, and deciduous; the petals are minute, and shorter than the stamens; the pistil consists of an oval ovary and sessile stigma. The fruit is an ovoid capsule containing numerous flat seeds. The plant grows in shady or rocky woods from Southern New England to Wisconsin and southward, flowering in June and July. The name Cimicifuga is derived from the Latin Cimex, bug; and fugare, to drive away. Properties.—It is officially described as follows : "Rhizome horizontal, more or less branching, from 2 to 12 cm. in length, and from 1 to 2.5 cm. in thickness; externally dark brown, slightly annulate from circular scars of bud scale-leaves, the upper surface with numerous stout, erect or somewhat curved branches terminated by deep, cup-shaped sears, each of which usually shows a distinct radiate structure; inferior and lateral portions with numerous root-scars and a few short roots; fracture horny; internally whitish and mealy or dark brown and waxy, bark thin, wood distinctly radiate and of about the same thickness as the pith; odor slight; taste bitter and acrid. Roots somewhat cylindrical or obtusely quadrangular, from 1 to 3 mm. in thickness, externally dark brown, longitudinally wrinkled; fracture short; internally bark dark brown, wood yellowish, 4 to 6-rayed. Under the microscope, sections of the rhizome of Cimicifuga show a yellowish-brown suberized epidermis, a cortex made up of about 30 layers of starch-bearing parenchyma cells; the fibro-vascular bundles collateral, the xylem consisting of tracheae with bordered pores, and resembling tracheids in that the ends are rather acute; wood-fibers numerous, thin-walled, strongly lignified and with simple, oblique pores, the bundles separated by starch-bearing parenchyma strands from 5 to 30 cells wide; pith cells numerous, resembling those of the cortex. Under the microscope, sections of the root of Cimicifuga show a hairy epidermis, which becomes suberized in older roots; the cortex shows about 12 rows of starch-bearing parenchyma cells; endodermis distinct; fibro-vascular bundles 4 to 6, showing in older roots as separate collateral bundles. The powder is light to dark brown; starch grains numerous, single or compound, the individual grains spherical or more or less polygonal, each with a somewhat central cleft, from 0.003 to 0.015 mm. in diameter; fragments showing trachea with bordered pores and lignified wood-fibers; irregular, yellowish-brown fragments of suberized epidermis made up of more or less tabular cells, sometimes elongated and considerably thickened. Cimicifuga yields not more than 10 per cent. of ash." U. S. For a detailed description of the microscopic character of the root, see A. J. P., 1884, 460; also 1895, 121; Holm., M. K., 1911, p. 6. The roots "exhibit in transverse section from three to five wedge-shaped wood-bundles, separated by as many broad medullary rays. Both rhizome and roots are blackened by test-solution of ferric chloride (presence of tannic acid)." Br., 1898. The odor, though not strong, is peculiar and rather disagreeable, and is gradually lost with age. The drug of commerce is likely to be unintentionally admixed with other species of Cimicifuga and Actaea. Cimicifuga yields its virtues to boiling water. Tilghman found gum, starch, sugar, resin, wax, fatty matter, taunic and gallic acids, a black coloring matter, a green coloring matter, lignin, and salts of potassium, calcium, magnesium, and iron. (A. J. P., vi.) It no doubt also contains, when fresh, a volatile principle, with which its virtues may be in some degree associated. Davis separated by distillation a small proportion of volatile oil having decidedly the peculiar odor of the root. He also found albumen, extractive, and silica. The sugar noticed by him was of the uncrystallizable variety, and the resin of two kinds, one soluble in alcohol but not in ether, the other soluble in both these menstrua. (A. J. P., xxxiii.) A crystallizable principle has been obtained by T. Elwood Conard from a strong tincture of the root by treating with solution of lead sub-acetate to precipitate resin, tannin, and coloring matters, then filtering, and precipitating the lead by hydrogen sulphide in excess, and allowing the tincture to evaporate spontaneously; and, finally, having treated the residuary powder with petroleum benzin, afterwards washing it with water, dissolving it to saturation in strong alcohol, and treating the solution with alumina. The mixture was allowed to evaporate to a dry mass, which was nearly exhausted with alcohol. The solution, being allowed to evaporate, left behind a crystalline mass, somewhat resembling alum. This substance has little taste, on account of its extreme insolubility in the saliva, but in alcoholic solutions has very strongly the acrid taste characteristic of the fresh root. The crystals are very soluble in cold, and more so in hot alcohol, soluble also in chloroform, and slightly so in ether. They are fusible and inflammable. They are neutral, possessing neither acid nor alkaline properties. Their effects on the system were not determined. (A. J. P., 1871.) L. F. Beach (A. J. P., 1876) obtained from commercial resin of cimicifuga (the so-called cimicifugin or macrotin) a crystalline principle by Conard's process. M. S. Faick (A. J. P., 1884) found in the juice of the fresh plant a crystalline principle resembling the principle announced by Conard. On the other hand, neither F. H. Trimble (A. J. P., 1878) nor Warder and Coblentz were able to obtain a crystalline principle, while C. S. Gallagher obtained crystals of cane sugar from the fluidextract. (A. J. P., 1887.) In view of these facts, it would appear that the active principle is a resinous amorphous body. (See Drugs and Medicines of North America, vol. i.) Pinnemore reports on the chemical examination of the rhizome of cimicifuga. A systematic examination has resulted in the isolation and identification of isoferulic acid, also a minute quantity of an acid whose melting point was unaffected by admixture with salicylic acid. Palmitic, oleic, and other unsaturated acids, and phytosterol, are also present, and distinct reactions for alkaloids have been found, but the amount present is very small. (P. J., 1910, 31 (85), pp. 142-144,178.) Uses.—In 1831 cimicifuga was introduced to the notice of the profession by Young. In overdoses it is said to cause general relaxation, vertigo, tremors, decided reduction of the pulse; occasionally it causes vomiting, but its emetic action is never violent, and is probably simply the result of a mild gastric irritation. It certainly, in large doses, produces giddiness, with intense headache and prostration. It has been found by R. Hutchinson to cause in frogs complete anesthesia by a direct action upon the sensory side of the spinal cord. The same observer noted that toxic doses produce in mammals slowing of the pulse and fall of the arterial pressure, results which appear to be due in part to a direct depressant action upon the heart muscle or its ganglia, in part to a paralysis of the vasomotor center. Clinical experience has shown this drug to be a useful remedy in the treatment of chorea. It has also been employed, though with less certainty of benefit, in chronic rheumatism, urticaria, neuralgia, and dysmenorrhea. It is also asserted to act as a specific in tinnitus aurium. In chorea it is necessary to give large doses. The proper method of administration is to start with about fifteen minims of the fluidextract three times a day, increasing one minim daily until the occurrence of frontal headache or improvement in the condition. The practitioners calling themselves eclectics use, under the name of cimicifugin, or macrotin, an impure resin obtained by precipitating a saturated tincture of the root with water; dose, a grain or two (0.065-0.13 Gm.). (See N. J. Med. Rep., viii, 247.) Dose, of powdered cimicifuga, five to thirty grains (0.3-2.0 Gm.).

King's American Dispensatory By Harvey Wickes Felter and John Uri Lloyd 1898 - Cramp Bark

Botanical name: Viburnum opulus Preparations: Compound Tincture of Viburnum - Compound Pills of High Cranberry - Extract of Viburnum - Fluid Extract of Viburnum Opulus Related entries: Viburnum Prunifolium (U. S. P.)—Black Haw "The bark of Viburnum Opulus, Linné"—(U. S. P.) (Viburnum Oxycoccus, Pursh). Nat. Ord.—Caprifoliaceae. COMMON NAMES: High cranberry, Viburnum (Pharm., 1880), Cramp bark. Botanical Source.—This is the Viburnum Oxycoccus of Pursh. It is a nearly smooth and upright shrub or small tree, rising 5 to 12 feet in height. The stems are several from the same root, and branched above. The leaves are 3-lobed, 3-veined, broadly wedge-shaped or truncate at base, and broader than long; the lobes divaricate, acuminate, crenately-toothed on the sides, and entire in the sinuses; the petioles have 2 or more glands at the base, and are channelled above. The flowers are white or reddish-white, in rayed, pedunculated cymes; marginal flowers large and sterile; inner flowers much smaller and fertile. Fruit ovoid, red, very acid, ripens late, and remains upon the bush after the leaves have fallen. It resembles the common cranberry, and is sometimes substituted for it. The V. roseum, Snowball, or Guelder-rose tree, is a cultivated European variety, with the whole cyme turned into large sterile flowers (W.—G.). This variety is now largely cultivated in American gardens for its beauty. History and Description.—This is a handsome, indigenous shrub, growing in low, rich lands, woods, and borders of fields, in the northern part of the United States and Canada, flowering in June, and presenting at this time a very showy appearance. The flowers are succeeded by red and very acid berries, resembling low cranberries, and which remain through the winter. The bark is the official part. As demanded by the U. S. P., it is in "flattish or curved bands, or occasionally in quills, sometimes 30 Cm. (12 inches) long, and from 1 to 1.5 Mm. (1/25 to 1/16 inch) thick; outer surface ash-gray, marked with scattered, somewhat transversely elongated warts of a brownish color, due to abrasion, and more or less marked with blackish dots, and chiefly in a longitudinal direction with black, irregular lines or thin ridges; underneath the easily-removed corky layer of a pale-brownish or somewhat reddish-brown color; the inner surface dingy-white or brownish; fracture tough, the tissue separating in layers; inodorous; taste somewhat astringent and bitter"—(U. S. P.). It has been frequently put up by the Shakers, and is then sold somewhat flattened from pressure. It yields its properties to water or diluted alcohol. Viburine is the name that was once given to a secret nostrum, purporting to be obtained from this plant. (For the histology of this species and V. prunifolium, see L. E. Sayre, Amer. Jour. Pharm., 1895, p. 386, and 1896, p. 225; also see R. H. Denniston, Pharm. Archives, 1898, p. 137.) Chemical Composition.—The berries of V. Opulus contain valerianic acid (Dumas; phocenic acid of Chevreul, identical with the volatile acid from the fat of the dolphin), and a red coloring matter (Leo, 1834). The bark of this species also contains valerianic acid, identified by Monro (1845), and previously believed to differ from it (viburnic acid of Krämer, 1834). In addition, H. Krämer found iron-bluing tannin, and a peculiar bitter, neutral principle (viburnin), an amorphous, white powder, soluble in ether and alcohol, slightly soluble in water (see review of "The Useful Species of Viburnum," by Prof. Maisch, Amer. Jour. Pharm., 1878, p. 49). Action, Medical Uses, and Dosage.—High cranberry bark is a powerful antispasmodic, and, in consequence of this property, it is more generally known among American practitioners by the name of Cramp bark. It is very effective in relaxing cramps and spasms of all kinds, as asthma, hysteria, cramps of the limbs or other parts in females, especially during pregnancy, and it is said to be highly beneficial to those who are subject to convulsions during pregnancy, or at the time of parturition, preventing the attacks entirely, if used daily for the last 2 months of gestation. Like Viburnum prunifolium, it is a remedy for the prevention of abortion, and to prepare the way for the process of parturition. It allays uterine irritation with a tendency to terminate in hysteria, while in the neuralgic and spasmodic forms of dysmenorrhoea, it is a favorite remedy with many physicians. It has been used in spasmodic contraction of the bladder, and in spasmodic stricture. The doses employed are from a fraction of a drop to 20 drops of specific viburnum. The action of this agent closely resembles that of the black haw, and there is reason to believe that they are often used interchangedly for similar purposes (see Viburnum Prunifolium). The following forms an excellent preparation for the relief of spasmodic attacks, viz.: Take of cramp bark, 2 ounces; scullcap, skunk-cabbage, of each, 1 ounce; cloves, ½ ounce; capsicum, 2 drachms. Have all in powder, coarsely bruised, and add to them 2 quarts of good sherry or native wine. Dose, 1 or 2 fluid ounces, 2 or 3 times a day. Dose, of the decoction or vinous tincture of cramp bark, 2 fluid ounces, 2 or 3 times a day; specific viburnum, 1/10 to 30 drops. "It may be proper to remark here that I have found a poultice of low cranberries very efficient in indolent and malignant ulcers; and, applied round the throat in the inflammation and swelling attending scarlatina maligna, and other diseases, it gives prompt and marked relief. Probably the high cranberries will effect the same results" (J. King). (See Vaccinium Macrocarpum and Cataplasma Oxycocci.) Specific Indications and Uses.—Cramps; uterine pain, with spasmodic action; pain in thighs and back; bearing down, expulsive pains; neuralgic or spasmodic dysmenorrhoea. As an antiabortive.

King's American Dispensatory By Harvey Wickes Felter and John Uri Lloyd 1898 - Lobelia

Botanical Source.—This plant, generally known as Wild, or Indian tobacco, is an annual or biennial indigenous plant, nore commonly the latter, with a fibrous, very hairy yellowish-white stem, in theroot,full-sized and an plant erect, angular, much Fig. 163. branched, and from 6 inches to 3 feet in height. The sº §§ late, leavesserrate, are alternate, veiny, andscattered, hairy. sessile, The flowers ovate-lanceo- are Nf, §2 % WWºº small, numerous, pale-blue, on short peduncles, each & N. originating from the axil of a small leaf. The calyx º § º consists of 5, subulate segments. The corolla is tubu- º lar, small, slit on the upper side, ventricose at the base; the limb bilabiate; tube prismatic ; segments spreading, acute ; two upper ones lanceolate, three lower ones Oval. The anthers are united into an ob long, curved body, and of a purple color; filaments white. Style filiform ; stigma curved, 2-lobed, in closed by the anthers. The capsule is 2-celled, ovoid, inflated, striated, 10-angled, crowned with the persistent calyx. The seeds are numerous, small, oblong, and brown (L.-B.—W.). History.—Lobelia is very plentiful throughout the United States, and is usually along roadsides, found thriving in dry soil - in dry fields, and old LObella inflata. pastures, as well as in woodland grazing grounds. It flowers from July to September, or until frost checks its blooming. It grows from a few inches to 2 feet in height, and is peculiar in that it will blossom when the flowering time arrives, even iſ it be but an inch in height. The plant has alternate leaves, and flowers of a light blue color, inconspicuous, yet very pretty when closely examined, having the characteristic split corolla tube (along the upper side) seedlºelia of the Lobelias. The fruit is an inflated pod, resembling a small 8. balloon, easily compressible, and contains an innumerable number of minute brown seeds. The plant, when broken or cut, exudes an acrid, milky juice, imparting a taste very much resembling that of tobacco. The whole plant is active, but the leaves and seeds are more usually employed. The root is sup posed to be more emergetic, medicinally, than any other part of the plant. The Fig. 164. 1200 - LOBELIA. proper time for gathering the plant is from the last of July to the middle of October, during which period the seed-vessels are in great abundance. The plant should be dried in the shade, and then be preserved in packages, or covered ves sels, more especially if it be reduced to powder. When dried, it has a faint, nau seous, rather disagreeable odor, and a strong, acrid, nauseous taste developed by chewing, somewhat similar to that of tobacco, which powerfully affects the throat and fauces, occasioning ptyalism and sickness at stomach. The leaves form a greenish powder; the seeds a brownish. Hot water, vinegar, ether, or alcohol take up its medicinal principles, but boiling dissipates them. Few drugs are more favored among Eclectic physicians than lobelia, and cer tainly none others have so interesting a history. This plant is vulgarly known as Indian tobacco, though why it should have this name is difficult to say, as there is no distinct record as is the case with other plants (unless we accept the statements made that it was known to the Penobscot tribes), that it was ever employed as a medicine by the natives. As the plant resembles somewhat in taste the common tobacco (Nicotiama Tabacum), and was for this reason called Wild tobacco, the authors of “Drugs and Medicines of North America” advance the opinion that if known as Wild tobacco it was but a step farther to call it Indian tobacco, on the presumption that a tobacco that was wild would be used by the Indians. The earliest botanists did not use a common name for lobelia, and it was not until 1810 that we find the first popular name—Bladder-pod—given it by Aiton. Following this came Inflated lobelia and Bladder-pod lobelia for obvious reasons. So much for names suggested by the plant itself. When it came to be used in medicine a new set of popular names, having reference to its properties, were applied. Thomson and Cutler called it Emetic weed and Emetic herb. These names suggested those to follow—Puke weed, Vomit weed, and Gag root. Although the term gag root was employed, the root was never used in medicine, statements to the contrary notwithstanding. One of its very old names is Eye-bright—a name properly belonging to Euphrasia officinalis, and, from its use as an anti-asthmatic, some writers have referred to it as Asthma weed. Its generic name—lobelia—was given it in honor of Matthias de Lobel (de l'Obel), a distinguished botanist of the sixteenth century; its specific name—inflata—on account of its inflated seed pods. Though lobelia grows nearly all over this country, much of the drug supply of commerce comes from the mountainous districts of North Carolina. Dobelia was known to the Penobscot Indians, and was also extensively used by the people in New England in domestic practice, long before the time of Samuel Thomson, its assumed discoverer. Though used by a few in domestic practice, the credit for the introduction of lobelia into medical practice is due to Drs. Manasseh Cutler and Samuel Thomson. The latter claims to have been the first to employ it and, indeed, it would seem probable that Cutler learned the use of it from Thomson. As before stated, few drugs have been so notoriously historical as the one under consideration. It became widely known to the people during the early part of the present century, through the famous trials of Drs. Thomson and Frost. ... The name of lobelia became so odious, that to be known as a “lobelia doctor” was sufficient to subject the physician to all manner of ridicule. The prosecution of Thomson was brought at the instigation of a jealous physician–Dr. French— backed by a jealous profession. While under treatment by Dr. Thomson, one Ezra Lovett, of Beverly, Mass., died after a tedious course of medicine applied after the peculiar method of Thomson. The prosecutors charged the latter with killing Lovett with lobelia. Thomson denied it, claiming the drug employed to be marsh rosemary. The prosecutors showed their ignorance by exhibiting to to the court some of the powder alleged to have been employed, which powder actually proved to be marsh rosemary. Judge Parsons instructed the jury to acquit Thomson. The memory of lobelia was again revived, in 1837, by the trial of Dr. R. K. Frost, of New York City, for the alleged killing of T. G. French. The charge against Frost was that he put French into a “vapor bath” and “adminis tered to him poisonous decoctions of lobelia, and giving deleterious herbs which no reasonable man would administer to a dog.” He was tried for manslaughter, the trial lasting ten days, and the jury found him guilty (in the fourth degree), but recommended him to the mercy of the court. The court sentenced him to three months' imprisonment. LOBELIA. 1201. The first published account of the use of lobelia in regular medicine, is by the Rev. Manasseh Cutler, LL.D., in his “Account of Indigenous Vegetables” (1785), stating that the leaves, if chewed, “produce a giddiness and pain in the head, with a trembling agitation of the whole body.” Cutler was a great sufferer from asthma and found this drug to give him more relief than any other, and as Thomson had been in the habit of using lobelia for this complaint, and prac ticing so mear to the home of Cutler, in Massachusetts, it is fair to presume that the latter derived his knowledge of the drug from Thomson. As early as 1820, the first edition of the U. S. P. recognized lobelia and it has continued official until the present time. Description.—The U. S. P. officially describes lobelia as follows: “Leaves alternate, petiolate, the upper ones sessile, ovate or oblong, about 5 Cm. (2 inches) long, irregularly toothed, pubescent, pale-green; branches hairy, terminating in long racemes of small, pale-blue flowers, having an adherent, 5-toothed calyx, which is inflated in fruit, a bilabiate corolla, and 5 united stamens; Odor slight, irritating; taste mild, afterward burning and acrid"—(U. S. P.). LOBELIA SEED.—Lobelia seeds are not official, excepting as included in the inflated pods of the plant. Lobelia seeds, viewed under the microscope, are about # of an inch in length, gºs of an inch in breadth, of a dark-brown color, oblong, with ridges and furrows, somewhat resembling basket-work; the only seeds which resemble them are those of the L. cardinalis, which are not so dark-colored, but are oval, or almond-shaped, reticulated with irregular, oblong-square, or rectan gular reticulations not so well defined, and are of larger size (P-F. Curtis). Lobelia in the powdered form enters into the composition of the compound emetic powder, and is a constituent of the compound tincture of lobelia and capsicum (King's Antispasmodic), and the acetous emetic tincture. The oil, as before stated, is contained in the stillingia limiment. Specific lobelia, the pre ferred preparation of this plant, has a deep wine color and a peculiar fatty odor. When dropped into water it produces a white turbidity, forming a yellowish white, milky liquid, when viewed by reflected light. It mixes with alcohol without change. The taste is peppery and persistent, leaving a disagreeable acrid impression in the throat and fauces. A few drops only will sicken some persons and even produce emesis. Specific lobelia contains a large amount of oil of lobelia, which preserves the alkaloid in the preparation. Investigations made by Prof. Lloyd demonstrated that solutions devoid of the oil were inferior, being altered by age. Specific lobelia retains its emergies indefinitely. Chemical Composition.—The active principle of lobelia is an acrid, irrita ting, unstable alkaloid, called lobeline, first obtained by Wm. Procter, Jr. (Amer. Jour. Pharm., 1838, p. 98, and 1841, p. 1), as a yellowish liquid of faintly aromatic taste, soluble in water and exhibiting an alka line reaction. It exists in combination with a vegetable acid—lobelic acid—form ing precipitates with solutions of metallic salts (Pereira, 1842). Lobeline and its salts are exceedingly active emetics. Though stable when thus combined, it readily decomposes when freed from contact with the other constituents of the plant. Heat applied to either an aqueous preparation or an alcoholic tincture of lobelia, destroys this alkaloid, hence a decoction or hot infusion of this plant is irrational, Lobeline was obtained by Prof. Lloyd (see D. and M. of N. A., by J. U. and C. G. Lloyd, Vol. II, pp. 75 and 76), by depriving lobelia seeds of fat by means of benzin, abstracting the seeds with alcohol acidulated with acetic acid in a percolator, and evaporating and extracting the alkaloid with ammoniated ether. As thus obtained, lobeline, after further purification, is a colorless, odorless, amorphous, and non-hygroscopic alkaloid, of an alkaline reaction, soluble in alcohol, chloroform, benzol, ether, and carbon bisulphide. It is also somewhat soluble in water and exhibits in solution alkaloidal reactions. No crystallizable salts could be obtained, though Prof. Procter (loc. cit.) alludes to a crystallizable muriate, sulphate, nitrate, and oxalate of lobeline. Paschkis and Smita obtained from lobeline benzoic acid by oxidation with potassium permangamate (Amer. Jour. Pharm., 1890, p. 339). Crystals of Inflatin, typical form. 76 1202 LOBELIA. H. von Rosen (Amer. Jour. Pharm., 1889, p. 393), isolated two alkaloids, one liquid (lobeline) and another solid. According to Prof. Lloyd, the plant also contains a crystallizable, non-basic substance, to which he gave the name inflatin. This body exists in the plant, intimately associated with the alkaloid and some volatile oil (see below). Inflatin is tasteless and odorless, “insoluble in water, or glycerin, but soluble in carbon disulphide, benzol, chloroform, ether, and alcohol, in the order given" (Lloyd, D. and M. of N. A.,Vol. II, p. 78). It is not important in a medical sense. The lobelacrim of Enders (1871), which was obtained in warty tufts of a brown color, was regarded by W. H. D. Leurs (Pharm. Jour. Trams., Vol. VIII, 1878, p. 562), as probably lobeliate of lobeline. Lobelia contains a non-acrid, volatile oil of a pungent odor, possessing but little taste and no acridity. It was named lobeliamin by Pareira in 1840. In addition, the plant contains about 30 per cent of non volatile oily matters. The impure oil (so-called) of lobelia, so extensively em ployed by Eclectic doctors, is simply a syrupy extract of lobelia made with stronger alcohol, preferably acidulated with acetic acid. This so-called oil is the active constituent of that favorite Eclectic preparation, the compound stillingia liniment. The pure or true fived oil of lobelia is non-acrid and bland, but as usually obtained (impure), is acrid and of a green color. The fixed oil of lobelia (impure) may be obtained by bruising the seeds between heated rollers, and press ing while hot in a strong linen cloth, between proper iron plates. Its consistence is nearly like that of linseed oil, and eminently possesses the drying qualities common to many fixed oils. It possesses all the medicinal properties of the seeds. Action, Medical Uses, and Dosage.—Lobelia, in the ordinary sense of the term, is not a poison. Undoubtedly, its injudicious use has, and might produce death, but the same is true of many other drugs that are not ordinarily considered as poisons. That the alkaloid lobeline will kill animals, has been fully demon strated. A drop of the alkaloidal solution placed upon the tongue of a strong, healthy man, instantly vomited him. To this property of its alkaloid, is undoubt edly due the failure of lobelia to act as a toxic agent. Its emetic action is so prompt and decided, that the contained alkaloid could not, under ordinary cir cumstances, produce fatal results. Given in cases in extremis, the resulting exhaus tion from repeated emesis would very likely hasten death, but death would be more likely due to the act of vomiting exhausting the patient, than to any poison ous effect of the medicine. If lobelia be chewed, it gives rise to an acrid, prickling, and persistently pungent sensation in the throat and fauces, accompanied by slight nausea and a feeling of warmth and distension along the esophageal tract and in the stomach. The sensation is not very unlike that produced by tobacco. The salivary and buccal glands are impressed, pouring out saliva and mucus in abundance. A sense of epigastric depression succeeds, followed by profound nausea, and if the amount chewed be large enough, severe and thorough emesis results. The gas tric mucus is secreted in great abundance and ejected with the contents of the stomach. The emetic action of lobelia is extremely depressing, and is usually accompanied by profuse perspiration. Oppressive prostration, relaxation of the muscular system, and a languid pulse accompany the emetic stage. The depres sion, however, is of short duration, and is immediately followed by a sense of extreme Satisfaction and repose. Under its action the mental powers are unusu ally acute, and the muscles are powerfully relaxed. The circulation is enfeebled by large and strengthened by small doses, and the bronchial secretions are aug mented. When the drug does not prove emetic, it is said that it usually purges. Death, when due to lobeline, is said to result from respiratory paralysis. Lobelia is nauseant, emetic, expectorant, relaxant, antispasmodic, diaphoretic, Sialagogue, sedative, and, secondarily, occasionally cathartic and diuretic and astringent. It is in no sense a narcotic. The earliest use of lobelia, as will be seen from its history, was that of an emetic, and for this purpose it is still em ployed when we desire the action of a systemic emetic. Though momentarily depressing, its beneficial after-effects cause it to be preferred above other agents, ipecac not excepted, when such an agent is required. Its action is somewhat modified by combination with ipecacuanha, and other vegetable emetics, and rendered safer and more effectual. Such a combination is the emetic powder. LOBELIA. 1203 It may be used in forming stages of febrile affections, and is especially indicated by a general sluggishness of the whole system with an oppressive feeling, and the tongue is heavily and foully coated at the base. In some chronic diseases its emetic action is salutary in arousing the system from its atomic state. When its emetic action is desired, small doses should be frequently administered until profound nausea is induced, and then the drug should rapidly be pushed to emesis. Copious draughts of warm water will hasten its action and render the act of emesis much easier. Spasmodic movement is incompatible with nervous and muscular relaxation, hence we find prompt relief in many spasmodic con ditions by the use of this drug. The powerfully relaxant properties of lobelia render it a very efficient agent in several conditions, whose chief feature is the spasmodic element. For its control over spasmodic movement, nauseant or emetic doses must be given. For this purpose it may be exhibited in chorea, tetanus, “worm fits” of children, hysteric and infantile convulsions, epileptiform and other convulsive disorders. For puerperal eclamp sia, chloroform by inhalation, and morphine subcutaneously injected, give better results than lobelia, though the latter drug has been used with success in some cases. Lobelia is of value in obstetrical practice. It powerfully subdues muscular rigidity. It is the remedy to overcome a rigid os uteri during parturition, and at the same time it relaxes the perimeal tissues. This it does when there is fullness of tissue—a thick, doughy, yet unyielding, os uteri; when, however, the edge of the os is thin and closely drawn, sharp like a knife edge, full doses of gelsemium are indicated. For its antispasmodic action it may be given by mouth and by rectum. Intestinal obstructions have been overcome by lobelia when other agents would have been inadmissible, hence it is of value in the reduction of Strangulated hermia, an enema being employed. Intussusception and fecal impaction may be treated with this drug when cathartics would result fatally. It is for its antispasmodic effects that it is given in asthmatic paroxysms, spasmodic croup, and whooping-cough. It has been successfully used to overcome the violent convulsions resulting from Strychnine pois0ning. Chloroform and ether excepted, it is the best antispasmodic drug in the materia medica, and much safer than either of these. In the so-called “worm fits” it should be carried to nausea and then followed by Santonin, after which a mild purgative may be given. Lobelia is a stimulant to the sympathetic system. It improves the inner vation of the parts supplied by both the prleumogastric and sympathetic nerves. The appetite and digestion are improved by small doses of the drug. It will fre quently be found indicated in indigestion and dyspepsia. We have frequently used it in small doses for sick headache due to gastric derangement. It is indicated by the feeling of “qualmishness” and nausea present. Though frequently over looked when we are looking for a drug to overcome intestimal atomy, lobelia will be found one of the best drugs at our command for the relief of habitual constipation. B. Specific lobelia, gtt. i-ij, every 2 hours. Administered with podophyllin it tends to prevent the costiveness so frequently the result after using a “bowel persuader” in cathartic doses. It increases peristalsis. Small doses of it relieve infantile colic. Lobelia is the drug for angina pectoris, newſralgia of the heart, and pulmonary apoplexy. Though evanescent in its action, large doses of specific lobelia (about 20 drops), may be administered with the expectation of relieving the patient. The dose may be repeated if necessary. Lobelia is a cardiac stimulant, thus we class it with the sedatives, for all sedatives in medicinal (small) doses are heart stimu lants. When the circulation exhibits a markedly slow pulse-wave it will be better corrected by lobelia than by any other drug we possess. In fact the most promi ment indication for the drug is the full, oppressed, sluggish, doughy pulse. Asso ciate this with praecordial oppression, thoracic pain, difficult breathing, Soreness or bruised feeling within the chest, nausea, with tongue heavily coated at base, fullness of tissue, and we have before us a fair range of the action of lobelia. It is a good remedy in cardiac congestion. Perhaps the most important use for this drug will be in the treatment of respiratory affections. For this class of diseases no remedy is more highly valued by physicians of our school. “Lobelia is an admirable pectoral remedy. As a nauseant expectorant it has no equal. When an emetic is desired in pulmonary 1204 LOBELIA. complaints it is one of the most efficient that can be employed. It has come to be the first of remedies for spasmodic asthma, and is not without utility in whoop ing cough. It improves innervation and the circulation, and is one of the best remedies to employ in congestive conditions. It is frequently indicated in pleu risy and pleuro-pneumonia. As a sedative it ranks between veratrum and aconite. Acute pneumonia, with tendency to congestion, the breathing being oppressed, is quickly relieved by lobelia. All chronic forms of sore throat, especially when ulcera ted, are benefited by it. Chronic pneumonia, bronchitis, and laryngitis are all con ditions in which lobelia will be of great service. In asthenic laryngitis of children it is exceedingly useful. It is a remedy of great value in chronic catarrh, dry, hard, or barking coughs, colds, and all forms of irritation of the respiratory tract, with oppression. It relaxes the tissues, favors expectoration when a large quantity of mucus is secreted and there is want of power to remove it. The indications for this drug are the full, oppressed, or small, feeble pulse, præcordial oppression, with difficult respiration, oppression anywhere in the chest, with accumulation of the bronchial secretions, cough with loud mucous rales within the chest. The “ace tous emetic tincture,” which contains this agent, may be used to fulfil most of the indications for this drug. Powdered lobelia seeds or leaves, or the “com pound powder of lobelia and capsicum,” are the best local applications that can be employed in acute pulmonary complaints, and give great relief in chronic cases with a sense of suffocation and fullness, accompanied by soreness within the chest” (Felter). When in the eruptive diseases retrocession takes place, lobelia, by promoting determination of blood to the skin, will promptly bring the eruption to the sur face. It is also indicated in Scarlatina and measles when the eruption is tardy in making its appearance. Lobelia was formerly used to a considerable extent in the eruptive skin diseases. In the Western Medical Reformer for 1838, we find it lauded as a local wash for “herpes, lichen, eczema, mettlerash, and erysipelas.” There is one condition in which its use should not be overlooked, and that is in poisoning by Rhus Toxicodendrom. An aqueous solution of specific lonelia, or an infusion of the plant should be freely used by wetting the cloths in the lotion and applying frequently to the affected parts. Externally, the infusion has been found useful in ophthalmic affec tions; and the tincture is a valuable local application to sprains, bruises, rheumatic pains, erysipelas, and erysipelatows inflammations, tetter, and other forms of cutaneous diseases. A poultice of powdered lobelia and slippery-elm bark, with a weak lye water, will be found valuable in erysipelatous diseases, bites, and stings of poisomous insects, spasmodic affections of the limbs, pains, and to produce muscular relaxation. Tincture of lobelia, painted upon the parts before suppuration has begun, is said to abort felons. The oil of lobelia is valuable in tetanus and some other extreme cases, as it is easy to introduce enough upon the tongue to relax the whole system immediately. On account of the tendency to produce inflammation of the stomach, it should not be employed alone as a common emetic, but a few drops of it should be triturated with sugar, and diffused in chamomile, boneset, or other emetic infusion. One drop of the oil, triturated with 20 grains of sugar, and divided into from 6 to 12 doses will be found highly useful as an expectorant, nauseant, sedative, and diapho retic, when given every 1 or 2 hours, as may be required. As a local application, much benefit may be derived from it, where a particular nerve is to be quieted, or a muscle to be relaxed. An excellent liniment may be made of a mixture of ounce, each, of oils of amber and sassafras, 1 drachm of oil of lobelia, and drachm of ethereal oil of capsicum. To be used in painful meuralgic and rheu matic affections. That lobelia is a valuable remedy will be conceded by all, and that it has been notoriously misrepresented is apparent to all. Carefully used according to its specific indications, it will be better appreciated the more it is used. As an emetic, dose of the powder, from 20 to 60 grains; of the tincture, from 2 to 4 fluid drachms; as a nauseant and expectorant, from 5 to 20 grains. The dose of specific lobelia ranges from 1 to 40 drops, according to use, taken in a little water. When lobelia does not act as an emetic, it is very apt to purge. The relaxation caused by lobelia may be counteracted by the stimulating and tonic influence of capsicum. ; LOTIONES. 1205 Specific Indications and Uses.—Lobelia is specifically indicated by the full, labored, doughy pulse; the blood moves with difficulty; pain in chest of a heavy, Sore, or oppressive character; angina pectoris; cardiac neuralgia; pulmonary apoplexy; mucus accumulation in bronchiae; convulsive movements; rigidity of muscular tissues; rigid OS uteri, with thick doughy edges; rigid perineum, or vagi. nal walls; nausea; oppressive sick headache, with nausea. As an emetic when tongue is heavily coated at base. Related Species.—There are other species of Lobelia, as the Blue lobelia (Lobelia syphi litica, Linné), and the Red lobelia (L. Cardinalis, Linné). The first is diaphoretic, emetic, and cathartic; also diuretic and antisyphilitic, and a strong infusion of it has cured gomorrhoea. It has likewise been used in dropsy, diarrhoea, and dysentery. . The root is the part used; dose, from 20 to 60 grains of the powder. The L. cardinalis is said to be anthelmintic, nervine, and antispasmodic. These two varieties are seldom, if ever, used in medicine. Wm. Procter, Jr. (1839) obtained a bitter, acrid, aromatic, oily, liquid alkaloidal body from this plant. It was probably a mixture of the alkaloid with impurities (see D. and M. of N. A.,Vol. II, p. 106). Lobelia Kalmii is the plant shown to Mr. Kalm by Col. Johnson, as the one used by the Indians of Some parts of North America to cure syphilis; and he was likewise informed that Syphilis was known among them previous to their acquaintance with the Europeans, and that they cured it very readily, even when “the patient is half rotten and insupportable to be approached” (General Practice of Physic, by R. Brookes, M. D., 7th ed., 1777, Vol. II, pp. 67–71).

The Elements of Materia Medica and Therapeutics, Vol. II, 3th American ed., was written by Jonathan Pereira in 1854 - Oat Straw

History.—The oat is not mentioned in the Old Testament; but it is noticed by the ancient Greek [Hippocrates De victus ratione, lib. ii. sect. lv. p. 356, ed. Foes.; Theophrastus, Hist. Plant. lib. viii. cap. 9; Dioscorides, lib. li. cap. 116, and lib. lv. cap. 140; Galen, De Alisn. Facult. lib. i. cap. 13, p. 322, tom. vi.—Fraas (Synops. Plant. Florae Classicae, p. 303, 1845) considers that the term βρόμος includes both Avena sativa and A. fatua, Linn.] and Roman [Pliny, Hist. Nat. lib. xviii. cap. 44.] writers, the former of whom called it βρόμος, the latter avena. Botany. Gen. Char.— Spikelets three, many-flowered; flowers remote; the upper one withered. Glumes two, thin, membranous, awnless. Paleae two, herbaceous; the lower one awned on the back, above the base, at the point almost bicuspidate; the upper one bicarinate, awnless; awn twisted. Stamina three. Ovarium somewhat pyriform, hairy at the point. Stigmata two, sessile, distant, villoso-plumose; with simple hairs. Scales two, smooth, usually two-cleft, large. Caryopsis long, slightly terete, internally marked by a longitudinal furrow, hairy at the point, covered by the paleae, adherent to the upper one (?) (Kunth). Sp. Char.—Panicle equal. Spikelets two-flowered. Florets smaller than the calyx, naked at the base, alternately awned. Root fibrous, annual (Kunth). Hab.—Cultivated in Europe. A considerable number of varieties [For an account of the different sorts of cultivated oats, see The Agriculturist's Manual, by Peter Lawson and Son, 1836; and Supplement, 1842. Also, Loudon's Encyclopedia of Agriculture.] of this species are cultivated; these may be arranged under the two heads of white oats and the red, dun, or black oats. The white oats have the paleae of a whitish or straw colour. To this division belong the potato oat, the Georgian oat, the Poland oat, and the Friezland or Dutch oat. The red, dun, or black oats, are so called on account of their colour. Besides the Avena sativa, several other species of Avena are cultivated as oats. The following are the chief:— Avena orientalis, Kunth.—Tartarian, Hungarian, or one-seeded oat. Cultivated in Europe. Avena brevis, Kunth.—Short oat. Germany, Austria, and Hungary. Cultivated in France and Spain. Avena nuda, Kunth.—Naked oat. Cultivated in Europe. Description.—Oats (caryopsides vel semina avenae cruda) are too well known to need description. As found in commerce, they are usually enclosed in the paleae or husk. When deprived of their integuments, they are called groats (semina integumentis nudata, L.; avena excorticata seu grutum): these, when crushed, are denominated Embden groats. Oatmeal (farina ex seminibus, D.) is prepared by grinding the grains. It is not so white as wheaten flour, and has a somewhat bitterish taste. Physiological Effects.—Oatmeal is an important and valuable article of food. With the exception of maize or Indian corn, it is richer in oily or fatty matter than any other of the cultivated cereal grains; and its proportion of protein compounds exceeds that of the finest English wheaten flour. So that both with respect to its heat- and fat-making, and its flesh-and blood-making principles, it holds a high rank. A diet of unfermented oat-bread is apt to occasion dyspepsia in those unaccustomed to its use; and it was formerly suspected of producing or aggravating chronic skin diseases, but without just grounds. Oatmeal porridge, taken at breakfast, sometimes relieves habitual constipation. Intestinal concretions, composed of phosphate of lime, agglutinating animal matter, and the small, stiff, silky bristles seen at one end of the inner integument of the oat, are sometimes formed in those who habitually employ oats as food: forty-one specimens, collected by Dr. Monro secundus, are still in the Anatomical Museum of the University of Edinburgh. These formations are now comparatively rare, probably because the oats are more perfectly deprived of their investing membranes before being ground (Christison). Uses.—The oat is employed dietetically and medicinally. As a dietetical agent, it is employed in the form of oat-cake or unfermented oatbread, oatmeal porridge or stir-about, and gruel. The latter is sometimes given to infants as a substitute for the mother's milk. When there is a tendency to diarrhoea, either in adults or infants, it is advisable to substitute wheatmeal for oatmeal. In medicine we employ gruel, prepared from groats or oatmeal, as a mild, nutritious, and, in most cases, easily-digested article of food in fevers and inflammatory affections. It is also in general use after parturition; and is the basis of caudle. In poisoning by acrid substances, it is employed as an emollient and demulcent. It is given, after the use of purgatives, to render them more efficient and less in jurious. It is frequently used, either alone or in conjunction with other agents, as a clyster. Oatmeal is used for making poultices. Oats are also employed by distillers for the production of spirit (see Alcohol). DECOCTUM AVENAE; Oatmeal Gruel; Water Gruel.—This is usually prepared by boiling oatmeal or groats in water for about half an hour, and then straining. Dr. Cullen [Treatise of the Materia Medica, p. 280.] directs it to be prepared by boiling an ounce of oatmeal with three quarts of water to a quart, constantly stirring; strain, and when cold decant the clear liquid from the sediment. Sugar, acids, or aromatics may be employed for flavouring.

The Dispensatory of the United States of America, 1918, Edited by Joseph P. Remington, Horatio C. Wood and others. - Willow

Botanical name: SalixSalix albaSalix discolorSalix fragilisSalix lucidaSalix nigraSalix pentandraSalix purpurea Salix. U. S. 1880.—Willow-bark. Weidenrinde, G. Ecorce de Saule, Fr. Most of the species of the large genus Salix are possessed of similar medicinal properties. (For elaborate study of various willow barks see Wellcome Chemical Research Laboratory Report, No. 39.) S. fragilis L. or Crack Willow, which has been introduced into this country from Europe, is said by Sir James Smith to be the most valuable species. S. purpurea L., a European species, is stated by Lindley to be the most bitter, and S. pentandra L. is preferred by Nees von Esenbeck. Many native species are in all probability equally active with the foreign. Salix alba L., the species formerly recognized by the U. S. Pharmacopoeia, is the common European or white willow. It has sparingly escaped from cultivation, growing from New Brunswick and Ontario southward to Pennsylvania. It is a large tree with a rough grayish bark, the twigs being brittle at the base, and in this respect somewhat resembling S. fragilis. The leaves are pubescent on both surfaces and finely serrulate. It hybridizes with other species of Salix. It flowers in April and May, and the bark is easily separable throughout the summer. That obtained from the branches rolls up when dried into the form of a quill, from 0.5 to 1 mm. thick, has a brown, more or less finely warty periderm, is flexible, fibrous, and of difficult pulverization. The inner surface is brownish-white, and smooth, separating in thin layers. Willow bark has a feebly aromatic odor and a peculiar bitter astringent taste. It yields its active properties to water, with which it forms a reddish-brown decoction. Pelletier and Caventou found among its ingredients, tannin, resin, a bitter yellow coloring matter, a green fatty matter, gum, wax, lignin, and an organic acid combined with magnesia. The proportion of tannin is so considerable that the bark has been used for tanning leather. The characteristic constituent of all species of willow, however, is salicin. Robert W. Beck (A. J. P., 1891, 581) has determined the relative percentages of salicin and tannin as follows: Salicin. Tannin. Leaves of S. lucida Muh. 0.30 per cent 6.48 per cent Bark of S. lucida Muhl 1.09 " " 3.58 " " Bark of S. alba L. 0.56 " " 4.26 " " Bark of S. nigra Marsh 0.73 " " 3.29 " " Jowett and Potter made an examination of thirty-three samples of willow and poplar, and found in but one (Salix discolor Muhl.. the related glucoside salinigrin, which Jowett had previously discovered in an unknown sample of willow bark. This compound has the formula C13H16O7, and on hydrolysis yields glucose and meta-hydroxybenzaldehyde. (Wellcome Chem. Research Laboratory Report, No. 28.) The bark of the willow is feebly tonic, but it is at present never employed in regular medicine. Salix nigra Marsh. Black Willow.—This is a tree with a dark brown bark, and is noted for its rapid distribution along streams into which its brittle twigs fall, which strike root, forming new plants. It hybridizes with Salix alba. The younger Michaux states that this is a strong bitter, and according to various eclectic practitioners its green aments or floral buds are a very active sexual depressant, useful in spermatorrhea, in all forms of sexual excitement, and in the nervous disturbances of the menstrual period. From twenty to thirty minims (1.3-1.8 mils) of the fluidextract are to be given four times a day. The Pussy Willow (Salix discolor Muhl.) is a shrub growing in swamps and on moist hillsides of the northern United States. It is well known because of its silky downy catkins which appear in early spring before the leaves.