CRUDE DRUGS 499 



other, berberine, occurring to the extent of 3 to 4 per cent, in 

 the form of yellow needles, which are bitter and readily form 

 compounds with acetone, alcohol and chloroform. In addition, 

 the drug contains a small amount of an alkaloid, canadine (tetra- 

 hydro-berberine), and considerable starch. Calcium oxalate is 

 wanting. 



Fig. 218. Golden seal (Hydrastis canadensis): overground branch showing the two 

 palmately lobed leaves and head of berries, which are crimson and resemble a raspberry 

 fruit. 



Allied Plants. The alkaloid berberine, or a principle closely 

 resembling it, is found in the following plants of the Ranun- 

 culacege: False rhubarb (Thalictnim flavum) of Europe; and the 

 following plants growing in the United States : Gold-thread 

 (Coptis frifolia), yellow root {Xanthorrhisa apiifolia), and marsh 

 marigold (Caltha palustris). A principle resembling berberine is 

 found in the following plants belonging to the Rutacese : Several 



