Hydrastis, or Golden Seal, consists of the dried rhizome and roots of Hydrastis canadensis (Fam. Ranunculaceae), perennial herb, native to Northern United States and Canada. It owes its activity to an alkaloid, hydrastine (C21H21O6N).

Properties:

Hydrastis:

Hydrastin HC1:

Appearance ..........................................................................................

Appearance ..........................................................................................

Color .....................................................................................................

Color .........................................................................................................

Odor............................................................................................................

Odor............................................................................................................

Taste .........................................................................................................

Taste .........................................................................................................

Incompatibilities: To Tincture Hydrastis add

An alkali ............................................................

A borate ......................................................................................................

Ac. Tannic...............................................................................................

An iodide .................................................................................................

A carbonate ..........................................................

Hydrastis acts as a mild stimulant irritant to mucous membrane. Average dose, 2 Gm.; Hydrastinae Hydrochloridum, 0.01 Gm.

Other official preparations are: Hydrastine, Hydrastinine Hydrochloride, the Extract, Fluidextract, Glycerite, and Tincture.