(Poke-root. )

Definition. - The dried root of Phytolacca decandra L.

Description and Properties. - Large, conical, branched, and fleshy; mostly in transverse or longitudinal slices, wrinkled, grayish, hard; fracture fibrous, the wood-bundles in several distinct concentric circles; inodorous; taste sweetish and acrid. It contains resin, gum, fixed oil, tannin, starch, sugar, and a glycosid. Phytolaccotoxin is an alkaloid related to picrotoxin, which is found in a Japanese speciesof Phytolacca.

Dose. - 5-30 grains (0.3-2.0 Gm.).

Official Preparation

Fluidextractum Phytolacca - Fluidextracti Phytolaccae - Fluidextract of Phytolacca. - Dose, 5-30 minims (0.3-2.0 Cc.) [1 1/2-15 minims (0.1-1 Cc.) as alterative or emetic respectively. U. S. P.]

Physiological Action. - Externally and Locally. - The powdered root is extremely irritating to mucous membranes, in certain subjects occasioning an erythematous eruption and excoriations.

Internally. - Digestive System.- Phytolacca possesses emetoca-thartic properties. It occasions much nausea, with great depression, persisting for some time before vomiting occurs. The drug augments the secretion of bile and acts as a laxative.

Circulatory System. - Like aconite, its reduces the force and frequency of the heart's action and lowers arterial tension.

Nervous System.- Poke-root is a powerful motor depressant, acting as a direct paralyzant to the spinal cord and medulla, although the muscles and motor nerves are unaffected.

Respiratory System. - Phytolacca is a respiratory depressant, rendering the breathing slow and shallow. Toxic doses produce death by paralysis of the respiratory center, preceded by tetanic convulsions.

Absorption and Elimination. - The drug is readily absorbed, and is eliminated chiefly by the kidneys.

Temperature. - Medicinal doses have no effect on temperature.

Poisoning. -The symptoms of poisoning are quite similar to those produced by veratrum, though the nausea and vomiting are postponed longer after the ingestion of phytolacca.

Treatment of Poisoning. - The same as recommended under Aconite and Veratrum.

Therapeutics. - Externally and Locally. - Preparations of phytolacca have been successfully used to allay inflammation, as in cases of follicular pharyngitis, tonsillitis, mastitis, ulcers, buboes, burns, abscesses. The drug is also useful in chronic eczema, sycosis, favus, etc. The fluidextract may be applied, or the powdered root incorporated in ointment either signally or associated with other medicinal agents.

Internally. - The drug has proved of doubtful service in chronic rheumatism, its alterative properties rendering it also of some service in the treatment of scrofula, syphilis, and chronic diseases of the skin.

It has been recommended in obesity, possessing undoubted efficacy in this respect. It is claimed that the proprietary preparation known as "Anti-fat" is a resinoid preparation of the berries.

Contraindications. - The same as for veratrum viride.

Administration. - No special directions are necessary. The powder, tincture, or fluidextract may be given internally; for topical use an ointment may be prepared.