(Plnkroot. )

Origin. - The dried rhizome and roots of Spigelia marilandica L., a plant growing in rich shady woods, chiefly in the southern part of the United States, but found as far northward as Pennsylvania and Wisconsin.

Description and Properties. - Of horizontal growth, about 2 inches (5 Cm.) or more long, about 1/8 inch (3 Mm.) thick, dark purplish-brown, bent, somewhat branched on the upper side, with cup-shaped scars; on the lower side with numerous thin, brittle, light-colored roots about 4 inches (10 Cm.) long; the rhizome internally with a whitish wood and a pith which is usually dark-colored or decayed; odor somewhat aromatic; taste sweetish, bitter, and pungent.

It contains a volatile alkaloid, spigeline, which is thought to be the active principle.

Dose. - 1/4-2 drams (1.0-8.0 Gm.) [60 grains (4 gm.), U. S. P.].

Official Preparation

Fluidextractum Spigelia - Fluidextracti Spigeliae - Fluidextract of Spigelia. - Dose, 1/4-2 fluidrams (1.0-8.0 Cc.) [1 dram (4 Cc), U. S. P.].

Physiological Action and Therapeutics. - Spigelia is a powerful anthelmintic, being a decided vermifuge against the Ascaris lumbricoides. When given alone and in full doses it may produce symptoms of narcotic poisoning. The symptoms are those of depression of the respiration with convulsive seizures and occasionally temporary blindness. This may be obviated by associating it with cathartics and aromatics.

The drug may be administered in the form of a tea, associated with senna, fennel, or other aromatics. The fluidextract is a reliable preparation.