Botanic Remedies 253 



PHLORIDZIN 



A glucoside derived from the root of the apple, 

 pear, cherry, etc. Produces renal glycosuria and 

 polyuria. The drug destroys the malarial para- 

 sites, but it is not safe to use in this connection. 

 Its real use is in functional kidney tests. Dissolve 

 1-12 grain in 15 minims of a 0.5 per cent solution 

 of sodium carbonate, and inject hypodermically. 

 Glucose, if the permeability of the kidney is normal, 

 should appear in the urine in from fifteen minutes 

 to one-half hour and the secretion of sugar should 

 continue for from two to four hours. 



Phenolsulphonephthalein is also used in the func- 

 tional test of the kidney. See "New and Nonofficial 

 Remedies." 



PHYSOSTIGMA 



CALABAR BEAN, Physostigma venenosum. Official 

 in Belgium, Japan, Mexico, Spain, and the U. S. 



PHARMACOLOGY. Resembles that of pilocarpine 

 and muscarine. PHYSOSTIGMINE, or ESERINE, the 

 principal alkaloid, by application to the conjunctiva, 

 contracts the pupil; it is the opposite or antagonist 

 of atropine. Causes a fall in intraocular tension. 



Physostigmine has slight inhibitory action on 

 the heart. Stimulates secretion of saliva and sweat, 

 but less than does pilocarpine. Definite stimulant 

 action on the muscular walls of the stomach, intes- 

 tines, and bladder. Induces constriction of the 

 bronchioles. Causes tremulous twitching of striped 

 muscle and depresses the central nervous system. 

 Toxic doses cause respiratory paralysis. The anti- 

 dote is atropine. 



THERAPEUTICS. Has been used as a hypodermic 

 purgative, but it is apt to occasion vomiting and 



