8-2 
PART USED AND PREPARATION.—The fresh root, gathered when the 
leaves are about to fall, but before the first frost, is treated as directed under 
Hydrastis.* The resulting tincture has a deep brownish-orange color by trans- 
mitted light; an odor somewhat resembling that of Bourbon whisky; an acrid, 
bitter taste, prickling the tongue and causing salivation ; and an acid reaction, 
CHEMICAL CONSTITUENTS,—The chemistry of the Hellebores is generic 
rather than specific, the species differing, so far as known, only in the quantity 
of the principles contained. 
Helleborin,+ C,,H,,O,—This glucoside was isolated by Marmé and A. 
Husemann (1864) from the green, fatty matter extracted by boiling alcohol 
from an aqueous extract of the root. It resulted as shining, colorless, concen- 
tric needles, tasteless when dry, but acrid and burning in alcoholi¢ solution. 
Helleborin proves a highly narcotic, powerful poison, more abundant in vzridis 
than in zZger; it is insoluble in water, soluble in hot alcohol, and fuses and 
carbonizes above 250° (482° F.). When boiled with zinc chloride, Helleborin 
breaks down into sugar and f/ed/edoresin as follows: 
Helleborin. Water. Glucose, Helleboresin. 
CoH, AE (H,O), — C,H,,O, as 24 5 
Helleboréin, C,,H,,O,;.— This slightly acid glucoside was also isolated by 
Marmé and Husemann, as translucent, warty masses of microscopic needles, 
which quickly defloresce and are very hygroscopic; they are of a sweetish 
taste, and are readily soluble in water, less so in alcohol, and insoluble in ether. 
Helleboréin is a narcotic poison, more abundant in xzger than wiridis; its 
aqueous solution dries to a yellowish resin, which becomes straw-color at 160° 
(320° F.), and conglutinates ; at 220°—-230° (428°-446° F.) it becomes brown and 
pasty; and at 280° (536° F.) it chars. 
When boiled with a dilute mineral acid, it breaks down into sugar and Helle- 
boretin, as follows: eo, 
: Helleboréin. Glucose. Helleboretin. 
2g SS a (C,.H,.0,). ae C49, 
Helleboretin, C,,H,,O,, is strangely wanting in physiological effect, consider- 
ing its source; it has a violet color and no crystalline form, 
H[elleboric Acid.—This body is so far considered, if not identical, at least : 
isomeric with aconztc and egutsetic acids. 
PHYSIOLOGICAL ACTION. —According to the experiments of Von Schroff, 
with from 2 to 4 grains of the alcoholic extract of the root, this species causes: 
roaring in the ears; violent sneezing; burning in the mouth, and profuse sali- 
vation; gurgling in the abdomen; profuse liquid stools, accompanied by violent 
* Page 9-2. 
+ Bastic (1852) discovered a bitter, crystalline body | in the roots of Hellebore, to i roncks he gave he name, Tt 
proved, however, to be chemically indifferent. 
