450 



MEDICAL BOTANY. 



tion with opium to produce this effect. Like Ipecacuanha, when given in 

 small doses, it gently stimulates the digestive apparatus, and thus effects a 

 corresponding impression on the general system. 



Dose as an emetic, forty grains ; as a diaphoretic, the same quantity with 

 one grain of opium ; as a tonic or alterant, from ten to twenty grains; 



2. A. cannabinum, Linn. — Stem upright, herbaceous. Leaves oblong, tomentose be- 

 neath ; cymes lateral, longer than the leaves. 



Linn., Sp. PI. 311 ; Torrey, Compend., 124; Griscom, Am. Jour. Med. 

 Sci., xii. 55. 



Common Names. — Indian Hemp; Dog's-bane, &c. 



Description. — Root perennial, creeping. 

 Fig. 201. Stems brown, from two to three feet high, 



with oblong, ovate, somewhat pubescent 

 leaves. The cymes are many-flowered, 

 paniculate, smooth. Calyx with subulate 

 segments, about as long as the corolla. 

 Corolla small, campanulate, of a greenish 

 or yellowish- white externally, with a 

 tinge of pinkish within. Follicles long and 

 slender. 



This species is found in most 

 parts of the United States, grow- 

 ing in waste lands and neglected 

 situations. It flowers from July to 

 September. There are two marked 

 varieties, which some botanists have 

 considered to be distinct species, 

 one with almost smooth leaves, the 

 other with the under surface of these 

 organs and the cymes pubescent. 

 The officinal portion is the root; 

 This is of a reddish-brown colour 

 when young, and of a dark-chest- 

 nut when old ; on being wounded, 

 it pours out a milky juice. In the fresh 

 state, it has a nauseous, somewhat 

 acrid, and permanently bitter taste, 

 and a strong and unpleasant odour. 

 When dried, it is brittle and readily 

 pulverized, affording a powder re- 

 sembling that of Ipecacuanha. 

 The ligneous portion is yellowish- 

 white, with some odour and a decided 

 bitter taste. The cortical part is 

 brown externally, and white within, 

 of a very bitter, nauseous taste. According to Drs. Knapp and Griscom, 

 who each analyzed it, it contains Tannin, -Gallic acid, Gum, Resin, Wax, 

 Fecula, Colouring matter, a Bitter principle, for which they both propose 

 the name of Apocynin, &c. 



Medical Properties. — Indian hemp is an emeto-cathartic, diuretic and dia- 

 phoretic. Its first operation, in a full dose, is to cause much nausea, dimi- 

 nishing the frequency of the pulse, and occasioning a tendency to sleep, 

 independent of the exhaustion usually consequent on vomiting ; this latter 

 soon ensues, and is copious, followed by large and feculent watery alvine 

 evacuations. A general perspiration almost invariably succeeds. Its diure- 



A. cannabinum. 



