HYDRASTINE

n. Hi-dra3st'en. Lat.. hydras tina, hydrastinum, hydrastia (obs.). Fr., h. Ger., Hydras tin. An alkaloid, C22Hj 3NO4, contained in the rhizome of Hydrastia can a dens is. It forms shining, white prisms, melts at 135 C., decomposes at a higher temperature, and is insoluble in water, soluble in alcohol, in ether, and in diluted mineral acids. In small doses it causes vaso-constriction, diminution in the size of the kidneys, and heightening of blood-pre ure; in large doses, vaso-paresis and diminution of blood-pre ure. In the voluntary muscles it produces convulsions like those of strychnine poisoning. In small doses it is applied to inflamed mucous membranes. [R. Ma in i, " Corresp. Bl. d. Schweiz. Aerzt.." 1885, No. 16; "Ann. di chim. e di farmacol.," July. 1890, p. 49 (B); "Proc. of the Am. Pharm. A oc.," xxxii, xxxvi, xxxvii (a, 14); B, 93 (a, 14).] H. tartrate. Lat., hydrastinum tartar i cum. A compound of h. and tartaric acid; a yellowish-white, crystalline powder, soluble in boiling water and boiling alcohol, insoluble in ether. [** Ann. di chim. e di farmacol.," July, 1890, p. 46 (B).] [s. 376]