PODOPHYLLTJM AN UNCERTAIN CATHARTIC 461 



stimulates the hepatic cells, but does not increase the 

 blood-supply of the liver. Excessive doses are imperfectly 

 absorbed, and do not increase biliary secretion. In common 

 with other purgatives acting upon the small intestine, it 

 sweeps out food, which, when absorbed, stimulates the 

 liver ; while, moreover, it carries away bile poured into the 

 canal, and thus prevents its reabsorption. 



In the domestic animals the cathartic effects of podo- 

 phyllum are produced tardily, and moderate doses are apt 

 to cause nausea and griping. The depressant action on 

 the heart and central nervous system is probably due to 

 shock from its irritant effects on the small intestine. Anstie, 

 experimenting with alcoholic solutions containing one to 

 two grains podophyllum, injected into the peritoneum of 

 dogs, cats, and rats, produced in ten to fifteen hours vomit- 

 ing, bloody faeces, hurried, shallow breathing, and death 

 from exhaustion. 



Howell found podophyllum to be a prompt and effectual 

 purgative for dogs, acting usually in four hours. One 

 drachm to one drachm and a half, with two drachms ginger, 

 moved the bowels of horses in six to eight hours. The 

 action was prompt and effective, and unattended with 

 noticeable griping, even when the resin was given without 

 preparation, and water was allowed ad libitum. 



Dun was unable to obtain such marked results. Kepeat- 

 edly he gave healthy horses, prepared by mashes, two 

 drachms podophyllum without perceiving any increased 

 action of the bowels. Two drachms resin, with one or two 

 drachms of aloes, added to determine, if possible, its action 

 on the bowels, produced little more softening of the dis- 

 charges than might be expected from the aloes alone. 

 Three healthy shorthorn cows were each given three drachms, 

 and another cow received half an ounce, without producing 

 any laxative effect. Doses of one grain, given in pill or in 

 meat, to English terriers weighing about twenty pounds, 

 produced no notable effect upon the bowels ; while two 

 grains acted as a gentle laxative, but only after six or eight 

 hours. 



To a well-bred hunter under treatment for injury of the 

 psoas muscles, and fed for twenty-four hours on bran, 



