SPIGELIA 



353 



transparent solid, soluble in alcohol, from which it crystallizes with 

 difficulty. Gelseminine (uncrystalline) and Sempervirine, yellow- 

 ish-red crystals. The latter has been separated in minute quantities 

 (Sayre). The root yields from 0.3 to 0.5 per cent, of alkaloids. 

 Gelseminine is rapidly growing in favor as presenting most of the 

 benefits occurring from the use of morphine without any of the 

 disadvantages of the latter (Ellingwood). The activity seems to 

 reside principally in the gelseminine. 



Preparation of Gelsemine. Add acetic acid to concentrated tincture; precipi- 

 tate resin with water; concentrate the aqueous nitrate; remove gelsemic acid with 

 chloroform or ether. The acid liquid yields impure alkaloid when precipitated 

 by Na2COs. This is purified by solution in chloroform and slow evaporation. It 

 is a white, amorphous, very bitter alkaline alkaloid; with HC1 or HNO 3 forms 

 crystalline salts. 



FIG. 202. Gelsemium Cross-section of rhizome. (25 diatn.) A. Cork, B, Parenchyma of 

 cortex. C, Bast fibers. D, Xylem. E, Medullary ray. F, Medulla. (Photomicrograph.) 



ACTION AND USES. Antispasmodic, sedative, and diaphoretic. Dose: 

 2 to 10 gr. (0.13 to 0.6 Gm.). 



OFFICIAL PREPARATIONS. 



Fluidextractum Gelsemii, Dose: 2 to 10 nj> (0.13 to 0.6 mil). 



Tinctura Gelsetnii (10 per cent.),.. 2 to 15 ng (0.14 to i mil). - 



Extractum Gelsemii, o.oi Gm. (% gr.). 



439. SPIGELIA. SPIGELIA 



PINK ROOT. CAROLINA PINK 



The dried rhizome and roots of Spige'lia marilan'dica Linne". 



BOTANICAL CHARACTERISTICS. Root perennial; stem simple and erect. Leaves 

 sessile, ovate-lanceolate, acute. Flowers in a short spike; corolla red exter- 

 nally, yellow within, four times the length of the calyx; stamens and pistil 

 exserted. 



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