298 MATER i A MEDIC A AND THERAPEUTICS. 



ACTION AND USES. 



Dulcamara is a gastro-intestinal stimulant, and in large 

 doses causes vomiting. Its specific action is imperfectly under- 

 stood, but it appears to cause paralysis by depression of the 

 central nervous system, and to lower the activity of the heart, 

 and especially of the respiration. It has been used as a 

 diuretic and diaphoretic, but probably possesses no such action. 

 It is very seldom prescribed. 



Capsici Fructus CAPSICUM FRUIT. The dried 

 ripe fruit of Capsicum fastigiatum. Imported from 

 Zanzibar, and distinguished in commerce as Guinea 

 Pepper and Pod Pepper. 



Characters. Pod membranous, from five to eight lines 

 long, two lines broad, straight, conical, pointed, smooth, shining, 

 but somewhat corrugated, orange red, intensely hot in taste. 



Composition. The active principle of capsicum is still 

 uncertain. Various bodies have been separated, and named 

 capsicin, capsicol, etc. 



Impurities. Eed lead and other coloured substances. 



Dove. | to 1 gr. 



Preparation. // 



Tinctura Capsici. 1 in 27. Dose, 2 to 10 min.// 



ACTION AND USES. 



Capsicum has a comparatively powerful local action, closely 

 resembling that of volatile oils. It is used as a condiment 

 (cayenne pepper) ; and medicinally in stimulant gargles, and as 

 a stomachic, carminative, and stimulant, to dispel flatulence 

 and rouse the appetite, especially in alcoholic subjects. 



ATROPACE^l. 



Belladonnas Folia- BELLADONNA LEAVES. 

 The fresh leaves, with the branches to which they are 

 attached, of Deadly Nightshade, Atropa Belladonna ; 

 also the leaves separated from the branches and care- 

 fully dried ; gathered from wild or cultivated British 

 plants when the fruit has begun to form. 



Characters. Leaves alternate, three to six inches long, 

 ovate, acute, entire, smooth, the uppermost in pairs and unequal. 



