INDIAN CANNABIS 369 



occur in man. The effect of the combined action of hyoscy- 

 amiue and hjoscine in hjoscyamus is shown when we com- 

 pare the drug'with belladonna. Hjoscyamus is more of a 

 cerebral sedative and hypnotic, and less of a heart and 

 respiratory stimulant. It is said to possess more power in 

 overcoming spasm, and griping of cathartics, and in aiding 

 intestinal movement. Hyoscyamus is also thought to exert 

 a more pronounced antispasmodic action than belladonna 

 upon the smooth muscles of the bladder and urethra. 



Uses. — Hyoscyamus is generally applicable in the same 

 disorders for which belladonna is indicatecL In relieving 

 some sorts of spasm, hyoscyamus is more efficient than 

 belladonna, as in spasmodic colic, spasm of the bladder, and 

 griping caused by cathartics. Tetanus, chorea, and epilep- 

 tic convulsions in dogs, are benefited by henbane, but the 

 drug does not possess a curative action. Hyoscy amine may 

 be combined to advantage with strychnine, subcutaneously, 

 in impaction of the bowels in horses. The former drug 

 depresses the inhibitory nerve endings (splanchnic), and 

 assists the stimulant action of strychnine upon the intestinal 

 muscle. Repeated small doses of oil will facilitate peristal- 

 sis in this condition. Hyoscine hydrobromate is indicated 

 in spasmodic affections and in nervous and sexual excite- 

 ment. It is a powerful drug and should be employed at the 

 outset in small doses. To avoid contamination with hyo- 

 scyamine is difficult, and the preparation of Merck is to be 

 recommended. Hyoscine has not been employed to any 

 extent in veterinary practice. It is used in human medicine 

 as a hypnotic and sedative in mania and delirium of the 

 insane. It causes no unpleasant after-effects. 



Cannabis Indica. Indian Cannabis. (U. S. & B. P.) 



The flowering tops of the female plant of the Cannabis 

 sativa Linne (nat. ord. urticacese), grown in the East Indies. 



Synonym. — Indian hemp, E.; chanvre indien, Fr.; indi- 

 scher hanf, G.; herba cannabis indicse, P. G. 



