Physostigma

The remedy is indicated when there is a feeble pulse, tremulous, perhaps slightly irregular, cool extremities and cool surface, breathing more or less difficult, with a sense of constriction. These symptoms are found present in some cases of cerebro-spinal meningitis. Administered in minute doses in this disease, it will be found to occupy a place between belladonna and gelsemium. It may be given in conjunction with echinacea with very good results. It overcomes the tendency to mental dullness and stupor and wards off impending coma. The agent is useful where there is torpor, inactivity, atonicity of the intestinal canal, and of the organs of digestion and appropriation, or where from lack of nerve force there is deficient secretion, dryness of the mucous membranes, deficient glandular secretions with dry and hardened feces. It increases the contractility of the muscles of the bladder walls, and of the uterus. Although a motor depressant in large doses, in small medicinal doses it has a contrary influence.

Therapy. External. Extract of physostigma for local use in ocular diseases has been entirely replaced by physostigmine. Internal. Physostigma, in medicinal doses, has scarcely any effect upon the circulation, and but little on breathing.

Therapy. The agent may be given internally to allay the tension in. duced by extreme nervous irritation. Convulsive disorders from irritation are allayed by it, but it is not in general use for this purpose. It has been used in tetanus, in epilepsy and in convulsions from all Fauses, also in locomotor ataxia, in chorea and in progressive paralysis of the insane.

Action, Medical Uses, and Dosage. Curare, or woorara, produces its poisonous effects only when it has penetrated into the circulation, either by means of a wound, by rectal injection, or by inhalation (Pelouze and Bernard). When applied to the skin it powerfully irritates.

Description, Medical Uses, and Dosage. (See Physostigma). In the preparation of this extract, the menstruum directed in the official process should be strictly adhered to. Diluted alcohol produces a greater yield of extract, but at its alkaloidal expense. Extract of Physostigma well represents calabar bean, and is of a green-brown color. Dose, 1/16 to 1/8 grain.