62-5 
application to fungoid growths and indolent ulcerations, preventing gangrene, and 
stimulating them to resolution. 
The plant is not officinal in the U. S. Ph.; in the Eclectic Dispensatory the 
preparation recommended is Decoctum Eryngii, 
PART USED AND PREPARATION. — The fresh root, gathered after the 
fruits are fully ripe, is chopped and pounded toa pulp and weighed. Then two 
parts by weight of alcohol are taken, the pulp mixed thoroughly with one-sixth 
part of it, and the rest of the alcohol added. After having stirred the whole well, 
pour it into a well-stoppered bottle, and allow it to stand for eight days in a dark, 
cool place. The tincture, separated by decanting, straining, and filtering, has a 
clear reddish-orange color by transmitted light; an odor much like that of an old 
chest that has been shut up with oil-cloth for some time; a bitterish, acrid, and 
terebinthic taste; and an acid reaction, It leaves a sensation deep in the throat, 
much like that following Senega. 
CHEMICAL CONSTITUENTS.—This root yields its properties to both water 
and alcohol, and probably contains an acrid, volatile oil, a bitter principle, and 
sugar. No analysis has been made of the root; the tincture, however, shows the 
presence of a small amount of resin. 
. PHYSIOLOGICAL ACTION.—According to the experiments of Drs. C. H. 
McClelland, C. H. Coggswells, and W. G. Jones, Eryngium causes, in doses of 
from 5 to 150 drops of the tincture: Depression of spirits ; vertigo and headache ; 
irritation of the palpebral mucous membrane, followed by purulent discharges ; 
inflammation of the eustachian tube, followed by a discharge of fetid pus; a 
similar condition of the nasal and pharyngeal mucous membranes; nausea and 
burning in the stomach; colic; constipation, with tenesmus ; frequent desire to 
urinate, with a decrease in quantity daily passed; stinging, burning sensation in 
the urethra, severe pain in left testicle, depression of sexual desire, followed by 
excitation, lewd dreams, pollutions, and discharges of prostatic fluid; a sensa- 
tion of dyspneea, and constriction of the throat ;* and slight increase in the heart’s 
action. 
DESCRIPTION OF PLATE 62. 
1 and 2. Whole plant, from St. Augustine, Fla., Aug. 2d, 1886. 
3. Flower. 
4. Calyx and styles. 
5 and 6. Petals. 
7 and 8. Stamens. 
g. Fruit. 
(3-9 enlarged.) 
* This symptom followed my tasting the tincture for the above description, and became, in half an hour, so strong 
as to be decidedly uncomfortable.—C, F. M. 
