266 RUTACE.E 



CONSTITUENTS. A volatile oil, and two alkaloids, pilocarpine (C n Hi 7 N 2 - 

 2 ), deliquescent, crystalline, inodorous, and slightly bitter, and 

 jaborine, chemically isomeric with, but directly antagonistic to, the 

 first named in physiological action. Pilocarpine is the most active, 

 and yields jaborine and pilocarpidine (CioHi4N 2 2 ) when heated 

 with HC1; its salts are readily soluble in water; their action is similar 

 to that of nicotine. Jaborine (C 22 H 32 N 4 O 4 ) is yellow, amorphous, 

 and resembles atropine in action; its presence in the commercial 

 pilocarpine explains the different effects following the use of the 

 latter when improperly made. It is therefore very necessary, in 

 using pilocarpine or any of its preparations, to obtain them free from 

 jaborine. 



Preparation of Pilocarpine. To an aqueous solution of acidulated alcoholic 

 extract add alkali and shake with chloroform. From the chloroformic solution 

 the alkaloid is separated by shaking with acidulated (HC1) water, filter, and 

 allow it to crystallize. 



ACTION AND USES. Powerfully diaphoretic and sialagogue by stimulating 

 the nerves supplying the glands and involuntary muscular fiber; car- 

 diac depressant. The most important effects of pilocarpine are due 

 to the stimulation of certain nerve terminations. It stimulates the 

 peripheral endings of all the autonomous nerves. The most impor- 

 tant effect of the ingestion of a therapeutic dose of pilocarpine is an 

 increase in the secretory activity of nearly all the glands of the body, 

 especially of the salivary and sweat-glands. Dose: of drug 5 to 

 60 gr. (0.3 to 4 Gm.). Pilocarpine is used as a myotic in ophthalmic 

 practice. It has acquired some reputation in the treatment of diph- 

 theria and croup; frequently administered hypodermically; poison- 

 ous. Dose of pilocarpinae hydrochloridum, % to ^{2 & (0.008 to 

 0.005 Gm.). Ash, not exceeding 7 per cent. 



OFFICIAL PREPARATION. 



Fluidextractum Pilocarpi, Dose: 5 to 60 ITR (0.3 to 4 mils). 



276. RUTA. RUE. The leaves of Ru'ta graveo'lens Linn6. Habitat: Medi- 

 terranean region; cultivated. The whole plant is active, but the leaves 

 are the portion generally employed. They are ternate, the leaflets being 

 obovate-oblong, yellowish-green, thickly dotted with minute, transparent 

 oil- vesicles; odor strong, disagreeable, increased by rubbing; taste bitter, 

 hot, and acrid. 



Their medicinal value depends chiefly upon the volatile oil, but there is 

 also present a peculiar coloring matter, rutinic acid, found also in _ other 

 plants, and an acrid principle, the activity of which is diminished in the 

 dried leaves; the fresh leaves will inflame or even blister the hands if much 

 handled. 



ACTION AND USES. Emmenagogue, vermifuge, and diaphoretic. Dose: 5 to 

 20 gr. (0.3 to 1.3 Gm.) in infusion. The Romans used rue as a condiment, 

 as the Germans still do. 



OLEUM RUT^E. A yellowish-green volatile oil, powerfully irritant; used as a 

 uterine stimulant, emmenagogue, etc. Dose: 2 to 5 tij (0.13 to 0.3 mil). 



277. BELA. BAEL FRUIT. BENGAL QUINCE. From .ffi/gle manne'los Correa. 

 Habitat: Himalaya Mountains; cultivated in India, where it is employed 



