411-3 
is not strictly speaking a chemical derivative, being simply a precipitate of what- 
ever principles in the root are not soluble in water. An alkaloid has, however, 
been determined by T. E. Conard,* and corroborated by M. S. Falck,+ to which 
the above name might be, but has not been, applied. This alkaloid is a neutral 
crystalline body, having an intensely acrid taste, and is soluble in alcohol, chloro- 
form, and ether, slightly also in water. It has been determined also in the 
“ resinoid.”’ | 
A resin soluble in alcohol and ether, another soluble in alcohol only; fatty 
and waxy matters, volatile oil having the odor of the root, green and brown color- 
ing matters, gum, uncrystallizable sugar, tannic acid, extractive, and other plant 
constituents have also been determined.t 
PHYSIOLOGICAL ACTION.—Cimicifuga acts as a severe irritant to the nerve 
centres in general, and causes through its action upon the vaso-motor system cere- 
bral, cerebro-spinal and pelvic congestion, followed by inflammatory action, espe- 
cially upon the nerves themselves. The chorea-like spasmodic action following 
the exhibition of the drug is of two types, one having apparently a rheumatic 
basis, the other uterine; the latter is most common, as the choreas curable by this 
drug will be found aggravated or originating at the age of puberty or during men- 
struation. It causes rheumatic pains resembling those of torticollis, lumbago, and 
especially pleurodynia, sympathetic angina pectoris, and rheumatoid gout. The 
drug seems also to cause irritation of the uterus directly, especially when this irri- 
tation is rheumatoid in its character, and in consequence the individual under the 
effects of the drug will present symptoms of epileptiform or hysterical spasms, 
restlessness and jactitation of muscles, dysmenorrhcea or amenorrhcea, cephalalgia, 
infra-mammary pain, etc., as the case may be. In pregnancy it often causes abor- 
tion, and in labor will stimulate the uterus and cause rapid, painless expansion of 
the parts. According to Dr. Chapman it produces free nausea, with abundant 
expectoration, followed by nervous trembling, vertigo, and remarkable slowness of 
the pulse, 
DESCRIPTION OF PLATE If. 
1. Part of the summit of a plant showing one of the smaller racemes, Binghamton, N.Y., July 19th, 1884. 
2. Luwer portion of stem, with a part of the root showing the remains of the growth of the two pre- 
vious seasons, 
. Portion of one of the smaller leaves. 
. Section of the root. 
. A sepal (somewhat enlarged). 
A staminodium (enlarged). 
. Stamen (enlarged). 
. Pollen x 300. 
g. Pistil (enlarged). 
10. Section of pistil (enlarged). - 
11. Fruit. 
12. Section of capsule showing seeds. 
oN NN pw 
nent meneaeaianence 
t Period, cit., 1884, p. 459. 
* Am, Four. Phar., 1871, p. 151. ge a 
¢ Tighe, ocr PAE lk Phar., 1834, p- 20; J. S. Jones, Am, Four. Phar., 1843, p. 1; G. H. Davis, 
period. cit., 1861, p. 391; E. C. Jones, Proc. Am. Phar. Ass'n, 1865, p. 186; T. E. Conard, art, cit. sup. ; M.S, Falck. 
wrt, cit, sup. 
