158 S. DODD. 
Hurthermore, all the liquid portion of the emulsion con- 
taining the soluble alkaloids, would pass direct into the 
abomasum etc.; consequently, as a lethal dose had reached 
that part of the alimentary tract where absorption would 
take place, death occurred rapidly. 
Chemical analysis of the fruits is now being conducted 
by the Department of Agriculture. The result of this has 
not yet been made known. The clinical evidence however, 
appears to indicate that the plant belongs to the Solanine 
group of the Solanacee, rather than the Atropine or Nico- 
tine groups, and that the glucosidal alkaloid solanin is the 
principal active agent. 
Conclusions 
The fruits of Solanum cinereum contain a poisonous 
principle, probably Solanin. If the fruits are eaten fresh 
and in sufficient quantity (at least 8 ounces, and this is not 
a large amount to ingest at one time), the soluble alkaloid 
passes directly into the abomasum and will cause death 
in a few hours. The chief symptoms of poisoning by this 
plant are, salivation, perspiration, intense congestion of 
the visible mucous membranes, disordered cardiac and 
respiratory actions and diarrhoea. In small amounts, how- 
ever, the fruits do not apparently occasion any pronounced 
illness. The symptoms shown by the experimental animals, 
and the post mortem findings, indicate that the principal 
active toxic agent is Solanin. Dried fruits, even in poison- 
ous amounts do not produce any ill effects unless a relatively 
large quantity be consumed. 


