154-3 
whole, pour it into a well-stoppered bottle and let it stand eight days in a dark 
cool place. The tincture is then separated by decanting, straining, and filtering. 
Thus prepared it has a light orange-yellow color by transmitted light, a bitter 
and slightly astringent taste, quite similar to half ripe butternuts, and a slightly 
acid reaction. 
CHEMICAL CONSTITUENTS.—Asclepione,* C,, H,, O,. This resinoid prin- 
ciple was determined by List in the juice: of the plant; also by W. L. Hinchman 
(Am. Jour. Phar. 1881, p. 433) in the roots; as white, verrucose, odorless, tasteless, 
iridescent crystals; decomposing at 194° (219.2° F.) and volatilizing at higher 
temperatures. ‘They are soluble in chloroform, ether and alcohol; insoluble in 
water. ‘The roots, according to the latter authority, contain asclepione, caoutchouc, 
fixed oil, tannin, glucose, a bitter principle not isolated, gum, starch, and volatile 
oil, The milky juice of the whole plant contains the same bodies found in the 
root. The acid of the plant seems to be in close relation with the undetermined 
bitter principle. 
PHYSIOLOGICAL ACTION.—A. cornuti is diuretic (increasing the solid 
constituents as well as the watery portion of the urine) and diaphoretic, not by 
stimulating but by lowering the action of the heart. It is thought to act directly 
upon the vaso-motor system, often in this sphere lessening local congestions. Its 
minute action can best be studied in the published provings. Anodyne properties 
have been attributed to this drug, but this is totally unsupported at present. 
DESCRIPTION OF PLATE 134. 
1. Upper part of plant, from Binghams, N. Y., June 21st, 1880. 
2. A cluster of follicles. 
3. A flower (enlarged). 
4. Seed (somewhat enlarged). 
* There seems to be a similarity between this body and Lactucerin, vide, 96. 
