194 HYOSCYAMUS NIGER 



3. SUBSTITUTES. In the south of Europe, Hyoscyamus allus, 

 a native of the region of the Mediterranean, and so-called from 

 the pale colour of its flowers, is used as the official henbane, and is 

 regarded as equal to it in medicinal value. Stocks has also 

 described a very virulent species of Hyoscyamus under the name 

 of H. insanus, a common plant of Beluchistan, and called Moun- 

 tain Hemp, and which, he states, is sometimes used for smoking, 

 and also for criminal purposes ; it would be desirable to have further 

 particulars of this plant. 



Composition of Hyoscyamus Leaves and Seeds. The most 

 important constituent of hyoscyamus is hyoscyamia or hyoscyamine, 

 an alkaloid which has been obtained both from the leaves and 

 seeds, but it exists in the largest proportion in the latter, but 

 even these only yield of it, according to Hohn and Reichardt, 

 about 0'05 per cent. The leaves, as first shown by Attfield, also 

 contain nitrate of potassium ; and according to Thorey, this salt, 

 and the alkaloid hyoscyamia, are largest in. amount before the 

 process of flowering. 



Medical Properties and Uses. Dr. John Harley, who has made 

 observations on the action of hyoscyamus, says, " Henbane, like 

 belladonna, produces dilatation of the pupil, somnolency, a 

 parched condition of the tongue and mouth, and in sufficient 

 doses delirium. The general action of henbane on the secretions 

 and nervous system agree in all respects with that of belladonna, 

 and the result of its action is the same, but the influence of 

 henbane on the cerebrum and motor centres is somewhat greater, 

 while its stimulant action on the sympathetic is less. Both drugs 

 directly stimulate the heart, but after moderate doses the action 

 of henbane results in a sedative effect. Small doses of henbane 

 are sedative and tonic to the heart ; large doses excite it, and 

 excessive doses depress it almost as readily as those of belladonna. 

 Both drugs produce relaxation of the voluntary muscles and of 

 the occluding fibres of the intestine and bladder." Hence, he 

 regards henbane as a valuable remedy in cardiac and pulmonary 

 asthma ; in excited cardiac action from valvular disease ; as an 

 anodyne in renal colic, and numerous other affections ; as a 



