TRANSACTIONS 
OF 
H E 
ROYAL SOCIETY OF SOUTH AFRIG 
(From the Pharmacological Department, University of Cape Town.) 
(With three Text-figures.) 
Eucomis undulata, Ait, is a bulbous plant of the Natural Order of 
Liliaceae, which grows in Bechuanaland and Basutoland. It has a local 
reputation as a cure for galziekte and other diseases in stock. Nothing is 
known as to its chemical character or pharmacological action. I was given 
two bulbs, One about 3 in. in diameter and the other much smaller, in order 
to "investigate its constituents and action. 
The total amount of material weighed under 200 grm. 100 grm. of the 
bulb were dried, powdered and macerated in 70 per cent, alcohol for three 
days, then filtered through three folds of linen. The filtrate was care- 
fully dried over a water-bath. It weighed 10 grm. 
The minimal lethal dose of the extract for frogs was found to be '005 grm. 
per gramme of body-weight. The extract was dissolved in Einger's solution 
and injected into the ventral lymph-sac. Death occurred in from 10 to 
26 hours. 
The only symptoms noted were slowing of the respiratory movements 
and final paralysis. The heart was arrested in diastole. There was marked 
inflammation at the site of injection. 
Action on Mammals. 
(1) Oral Administration. — The extract dissolved in water was adminis- 
tered to cats through a stomach-tube. The largest dose given was 6 grm.,. 
to a cat weighing 2050 grm. No general symptoms were seen, but evidence 
Action on the Frog. 
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