SEMEN STAPHISAGRI^. 5 



arrangement is found, corresponding to two or three periods of annual 

 growth. The pith, not the medullarj-- rays, begins to be obliterated 

 at an early period. The structure of the drug is, on the whole, very 

 irregular, on account of the branches and numerous rootlets arising 

 from it. 



The medullary rays contain small starch granules, while the 

 bark, as well as the pith, are richer in albuminous or mucilaginous 

 matters. 



Chemical Composition — The colouring matter in which the 

 rhizome of Coptis abounds, is quickly dissolved by water. If the 

 yellow solution obtained by macerating it in water is duly concentrated, 

 nitric acid will produce an abundant heavy precipitate of minute yellow 

 crystals, which if redissolved in a little boiling water will separate again 

 in stellate groups. Solution of iodine also precipitates a cold infusion 

 of the root. 



These reactions as well as the bitterness of the drug are due to n 

 large proportion oi Berherme, as proved by J. D. Perrins.^ The rhizome 

 yielded not less than 8^ per cent., which is more than has been met 

 with in any other of the numerous plants containing that alkaloid. 



As pure berberine is scarcely dissolved by water, it must be combined 

 in Coptis with an acid forming a soluble salt. Further researches are 

 requisite to determine the nature of this acid. In some plants berberine 

 is accompanied by a second basic principle : whether in the present 

 instance such is the case, has not been ascertained. 



Uses — The drug has been introduced into the Pharmacopceia of 

 India as a pure, bitter tonic. 



Substitutes — Thalictruni foliolosurti DC, a tall plant common at 

 Mussooree and throughout the temperate Himalaya at 5000 — 8000 feet, 

 as well as on the Khasia Hills, affords a yellow root which is exported 

 from Kumaon under the name Mmniri. From the description in the 

 Pkai^iacopoeia of India, it would appear to much resemble the Mishnii 

 Tita, and it is not impossible that some of the observations made 

 under the head History (p. 3) may apply to Thalictrum as well as 

 to Coptis. 



In the United States the rhizome of Coptis trifolia, Salisb., a small 

 herb indigenous to the United States and Arctic America, and also 

 found in European and Asiatic Russia, is employed for the same 

 purposes as the Indian drug. It contains berberine and another 

 crystalline principle." 



SEMEN STAPHISAGRI^. 



Stavesacre ; F. Staphisaigre ; G. Stephanskoi'ner, Ldusesatnen. 



Botanical Origin — Belphiniuni StaphisagAa L., a stout, erect, 

 biennial herb growing 8 to 4 feet high, with palmate, 5- to 9-lobed leaves, 

 which as well as the rest of the plant are softly pubescent. 



It is a native of Italy, Greece, the Greek Islands and Asia Minor, 

 growing in waste and shady places ; it is now also found throughout 



^Joum. ofChe.m. Soc. xv. (1862) 339. « Gross in Am. Journ. of Pharm. May 



1873. 193. 



