Apocynum cannabinum

Volume I — Main text

APOCYNUM CANNABINUM.

ApSiynum cannahirmm, h, Indian* hemp* Nat Ord., Apocynacetg,

I. Proving!, — i. Dr. Marcy took, for 6 d., 5 drops 3 times daily of 3rd dil. No unusual sensations were observed until 5th m, ot proving, when on walking he felt a sinking at stomach, dryness of mouth, thirst, nausea, irresistible disposition to sigh, short and unsatisfactory respiration, short and dry cough, scanty expectoration of white mucus. These symptoms continued during d., and on retiring there was in addition unusual heat of skin, general restlessness, and desire to sleep without ability to do so. During entire d. urine was natural in quantity and reaction* The n. was one of great restlessness and little sleep. Next m, unrefreshed, and with symptoms as on 5th d.; but urine was diminished in quantity, though normal to all tests* Symptoms of 7th d. and n. were a continuation of those of 6th. On 8th d* stomach and chest symptoms had lessened ; urine had increased In quantity and was much lighter than usual. On e. of 8th d. he experienced an unusual heaviness of head, with aching pains in small of back and limbs : no tenderness of renal region on pressure^ but slight soreness there on bringing muscles into action. From 9th to Ijth d* symptoms gradually declined, (Hale, New RermdiiS^ 2nd ed,)

ir a. Dn Peters took half-wineglassful doses of Hunt's decoction of A. 3 times a d, for a week. For first few d. no perceptible effect, save increased tendency to constipation, and decided scantiness of urine, with more flatulence than usual and slight uneasy sensations in

• hi, American Indian ; not to be confounded with Cannabis Indica, the hemp of Hindustan.

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bowels* About 4th d. decided distension of upper abdomen began to occur, especially after (moderate) meals ; oppression of chest was sometimes so great that he felt he had hardly breath enough to smoke a cigar, or to speak with any comfort. Urine diminished to ^rd of usual quantity, flowing sluggishly, of light golden sherry colour, without sediment ; weather was cold, and his kidneys usually acted freely and frequently. Bowels were sluggish, and feces scanty, but not hard : no diarrhcea occurred, even from wineglassful doses. No change ia pulse. Occasionally sinking at epigastrium, with transient sense of general debility. Hard aching felt several times in both knees, as if rheumatism would come on. He would wake up in m. with nostrils and throat filled with thick yellow mucus, as if in second stage of catarrh (of which he had no other symptoms). Once woke early with severe irritation of L eye, as if several sharp grains of sand were in h^ with much heat and redness ; after lasting several h., symptoms dis* appeared as suddenly as they had come on. Once during e,,and twice in different n., sudden and violent attacks of hard and frequent coughing lasting I — 2 h., then ceasing without leaving trace of cold behind. On d. after ceasing use of drug, loose, but not very copious, bilious stools, and urine as abundant as in health.

h. Later, another proving was made with i or 2 wineglassful doses, two pint bottles being taken in a week* Scanty discharge of urine recurred, but none of the other symptoms. " It is right to add,'* Dr. Peters says, " that during the first experiment I was very stout, and had recently recovered from fever and ague, which may account for the oppression of the chest and flatulence ; I am also often subject to protracted attacks of constipation." {North Amer, Joum. of Hom*y iv, 529.)

1. M. L. Knapp made infusion of powdered root, 15 gr» to cupful of warm water, and took 2 tablespoon fuls every 15 m. In J h. sHght nausea; in \ h. efforts to vomit; in i\ h. vomited slightly; pulse now 50, felt weak and sleepy, and went to bed. After sleeping about I h. woke with extreme sickness, followed by two spells of free vomiting ; pulse between attacks 45, but no death-like sense of prostration. He felt stimulus of drug passing into intestines ; had a gentle movement next m. without griping, and bowels were kept "soluble" for a d. or two, Prover experienced also headache and bewilderment i had increased secretion of mucus and saliva in mouth and fauces^ which kept him constantly spitting j his urine was augmented. (Allen's Emyctopadia^ i, 426.)

2. a, Dr.W. T. Helmuth took 355 of tinct. of fresh root. Soon feeling of nausea, commencing at throat and extending to stomach, continuing nearly i h., without inclination to vomit, but with accumulation of saliva and constant hawking of thin fluid, after which throat felt dry. Fancy became exalted, with flow of good spirits and satisfaction with everyone ; in i h. this gradually died away, leaving pain in forehead, particularly above superciliary ridges, heavy and drawing, with throbbing of ant, temporal artery ; also great drowsiness, with drooping of eyelids, and at times rumbling with darting pain in hypogastrium. At noon, these symptoms having almost disappeared^

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took 5j, with same effects, but to increased degree, and also frequent and copious urination. On waking next m» severe bruised sensation in all limbs especially the joints, and in small of back, almost disabling from motion : it disappeared, however, after walking. Bladder felt much distended, urine hot and turbid, depositing thick mucous sediment ; after micturition, burning in urethra for | h. All d. throbbing headache in vertex and forehead ; vertigo when rising, but particularly when yawning or stretching ; pain at times in h eye as if wearied, witn drooping of lid ; discharge of thin watery fluid from nose. Stool 4 or 5 times in d., soft and copious, with general feeling of relaxation. Urine copious throughout d., with same sediment as before mentioned, which was found to coagulate by heat. Tonsils and fauces for a d. or two seemed coated with mucus, which had dried upon them.

b, Dec, istb, 10 p.m., took f dr. Slept as usuaL i6th. — i h. after breakfast same dose. Two h. after subsequent meals very distressing oppression at epigastrium, also sensation as of working in stomach, lasting about 2 h* Repeated dose at 9 p.m. ijth.^ — In m. before breakfast, 2 drops in water. About 10 m, later same distress at epigastrium, compelling walking about, which afforded some relief. Iicss effect produced by same dose in e., taken 3 h. after a meal. i8th, — Took same dose after breakfast : less epigastric distress to-day. At 9 p,m, 5 dr. Soon after working in stomach, with empty eructations giving relief; also slight pinching pains from r. to 1, 19th. — In m* and e. 5 dr., 2 h. after meals. Slight epigastric symptoms as before. 20th. — Same result from identical m. dose; in e. took 10 dr., after which rumblings working and pinching were more marked, and there was sensation as of a ball being pressed into pylorus. Symptoms gradually disappeared during next 2 d. [Ibid,^ x, 308.)

1. Dr. Louis Faust, aet. 21 ; normal pulse 66 j urine 30 oz., sp. gr. 1028^; proved infusion of tops of fresh plant. July 20th, took Jss with no effect. 2ist.^ — At 8.15 a.m. ^j- S^^" after, slight and transient nausea. At 1 i.io burning pain in stomach, with uneasiness ; and shooting pain in r. ear for i h. Urine for 24 h, 40 oz., 1020°. At

4 p.m. 3^ss. 22nd. — Took none. Urine 36 oz., 1022^. 23rd. — At

5 p.m. 3U* Soon after singing partial deafness in 1. ear for I h,, with occasional sticking there. Urine 24 oz., 1025°. 24th. — Restless all past n. ; temporal headache all this d., with heaviness and pain in eyes, as from over- use, which there has not been. At 430 Jiiss. Urine 30 oz., 1028^^ 25th, — Same heaviness over eyes. Has had ravenous hunger since commencing proving \ gets hungry an hour before mealtime : bowels tend to be loose. At 7 p.m. ^"^iij. 26th. — While at breakfast taken with violent pain in abdomen, continuing till he had a passage ; stool very soft, painless ; relief after it, but felt weak all m» Face pale, with cold perspiration ; rumbling in abdomen. Urine 42 oz., 1024^. No med, 27th, — Very restless n. Uneasy feeling in abdomen, but no tendency to stool. Urine 23 oz., 1026"^. 28th, — Great weakness in stomach ; still bulimia ; stool loose in m., but painless. Urine ^24 oz,, 1028*^. Uneasiness and weakness in stomach increased up to gnawing on 30th : he felt as if constantly threatened ufith cholera morbus. These feelings, with the bulimia, did not leave

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him till Aug. 2nd j though stools (and urine) were nornml. On this d. cook 3 '^3^9 ^^^^ effect only of slight and transient nausea, and peculiar sensation in chest, causing him to sigh constantly. {Ihid.^ p. 309.)

1. a, Mr. Byron E. Mead, stuoent, act. 24 ; pulse full, strong, 73 % proved cold infusion of fresh root. June 19th. — Took^ at 10 p.m., Jss, without result, 20th. — At 730 a,m. 3ji before breakfast j at 830 5j more. About i h. after last dose felt sick, with inclination to vomit ; also frontal headache, pains darting from temple to temple ; at times vertigo, as if he would tumble over, coming quickly and passing away as suddenly ^ dull, unable to think well or concentrate thoughts. At 1 1 another 5j. Symptoms same, but more nausea.

b* At 1,30 Jij o* hot infusion of root* At 2.20 taken suddenly with intense tenesmus, and great and hurrying desire for stool, whicn was large and light yellow, accompanied oy rumbling in bowels and flatus; after it considerable nausea and frequent desire to vomit. At 5 another large stool, with similar symptoms ; also frontal headache, with sharp darting pains i pain in r. scapula y general muscular weakness i feeling of lassitude. At 6 3U- After taking dose went to dinner, and whilst there came sudden desire for stool, which was exceedingly large, light yellow, foetid, and flatulent as before. Same frontal headache ; constant flashes of heat ; face looks flushed and hot 5 some embarrassment in breathing. Hungry all the time ; could cat every h. in d. \ relishes all kinds of food, and seems to digest them well. Rheumatic pains in joints ; increased action of heart, fluttering at times as if it would escape from chest. 21st. — Good n., feeling wclL At 1030 a.m. Jij. An h. after same action on bowels, with endless flatus \ vertigo, without headache ; pain and weight over eyes j general lassitude of mind and body ; burning and powerless feeling ac anus. At 1.30 3ij. Stool as usual in \ h., preceded by intense pain in bowels. Urine burns in passing \ head the same ; some pain in r. scapula and muscles of r. forearm. Great craving for dinner at 6.30, hardly satisfied by full meal ; another stool ; soreness and bearing down in rectum * 22nd. — Good n., but felt weak and sore and was unrcsted next m. Similar stools (5 in d.) and rectal sensations. Pain in joints nearly all d. and frontal headache. Till 25th 4 stools, loose and flatulent, daily.

c. 25th. — Took, at 10.30 a.m., Jij of cold infusion of tops. In i h. nausea and desire to vomit j frontal headache and vertigo. After lunch at 1.30 stool with usual character and accompaniments; same again at 3, very urgent and profuse ; a third, small, at 6. Well next m.

His bowels continued loose for 2 — 3 weeks after proving, 2 or 3 stools daily ; he had also bearing-down pain in rectum and weakness of sphincters. For months mere smelling at drug would make him feel sick. (/iiV., p. 310.)

7, Dr, J. Clark, ast. 34, proved tinct. of fresh plant. Took jj doses 3 times on August 23rd, and every 2 h. from 8 a.m. on 24th*

♦ Urine on x&th and iist was rather above the normal in quantity and sp ,gr., but showed a marked reduction in urea (about 178 gr. as compared with %^2 on average of previous week).

On latter m. vertigo on rising from stooping ; in c, nausea almost to |Yomiting and slight headache j grumbling in bowels, followed by ious but painless diarrhcEa, causing weakness. Next m, same vertigo and hiccup ; abdomen felt as though he had drunk large quantities of water. Took medicine irregularly this d,, feeling tired and poorly throughout and sick in e. Severe pain when walking in 1, lower lumbar region. Three stools in d. 26th. — Took 3 doses from 3 pm. onwards : much nausea, wanted to vomit but could not, 27th — few more doses taken up to noon. Several stools, thin, copious,

lemon coloured, mixed with mucus ^ great weakness of sphincter ani, so that he cannot pass wind with safely ; very sick all d. ; covered with slight perspiration i weak and exhausted, 28th. — In m. mouth dry, tongue sticking to root of mouth. Some nausea and vertigo as before. Fsces again escaping when a little wind is allowed to pass i stools still quite watery, not returning to natural condition for 2 d«

aorc. Several times when urinating hardly knew when he had inished. (7A/V., p. 312,)

1. a. Dr. Alfred Mahshall, set. 25, not easily influenced by medicine, proved cold infusion of root, June 19th. — 5^^^ 9 ^^^ 3J ^^ II p.m. aotL— 3J ^t 745 a.m. Increased appetite, even to hunger; smarting and burning in urethra when urinating. At 8.30 5j niore. In 1 h. transient fulness in forehead and vertigo. Stool less copious smd easy than usual. At 10.30, 5j niore. Dull frontal headache thence throughout d. At 2 pricking, tingling, and lameness in L scapular region for short time. Through d, marked feeling of general muscular weakness At 5 small, mushy stool, preceded by much flatus.

B, At 5,15 took 3ij of hot infusion of fresh root. Dull heavy pain in both sides of face and nose, passing into forehead (worse on 1.). At 7.15, urgent desire for stool ; passage very soft, not fluid, brown, not offensive, painless. Great muscular weakness all c. At 9 and 10.45 repeated dose. Much flatus; and at 11 small and difllcult diarrhoeic passage. At 6 p.m. there had been great itching of back, sides, and limbs ; and on going to bed he found his body covered with large papules as of urticaria, most numerous about loins and waist. Sleep very dreamful. Was hurried out of bed at 5 a.m. to have small, loose, flatulent passage from bowels, repeated every 20 m. up to 8. Increased appetite; eruption still present, but not itching; all m, dull heavy sick feeling in stomach and abdomen. At noon small watery stool (hitherto they had been pappy) with much flatus, followed by soreness of anus. Same at 2 p.m. In e, feeling of great weakness and prostration, especially in all muscles ; eruption itching again, but less than before ; pulsating in r, hypochondrium for some m,, recurring several times ^ Slept well, and on 22nd stools were natural.

c, June 25th, at 1 1 a.m., took ^i] of cold infusion of tops, which caused nausea and vomiting, but no further trouble,

d. Bowels continued to act (contrary to his habit) twice daily until first week in August -, and he had constant weight and pressure at anus, so that after sitting 15 or 20 m. he would feel as if rectum protruded, and would be obliged to get up and walk about. He had then a

severe attack of inflamed piles, blind and protruding: after which all symptoms disappeared and he regained his usual health.

r. Urine here also showed diminished urea^ — gr. 287 from June ao to 22 as contrasted with gr, 403 on average of pre\ious 6 d.

g, a* Mr. Edward Chap in, student, set. 29, proved tinct. of root. Aug. 13th, on retiring, took 50 dr. Considerable nausea when waking during n. 14th. — At 7.30 a.m, 60 dr. In 20 m. nausea. After action of bowels felt as though everything in him had passed out, and whole abdomen was empty: also sensation as if something were pressing up colon and through tiver. Nausea increased, and he felt deathly sick, and had flashes of heat in different parts of body, and very marked piercing pains in r, temple, followed by vertigo. At 2.30 took 75, at 4 took 90, and at 8.45 took 100 dr,, with nausea, and head symptoms as in m. 15th, — Stool on rising, accompanied and followed as before : with head symptoms ringing in r. ear. At 7.45 took 1 20 dr. Head symptoms continue ; and at 8.45 another stool, profuse, mushy, yellowish i sphincter ani feeling relaxed. Headache now more general, dull and confused ; whole system feels much prostrated. At 5 p.m, 200 dr., and at 10 5iij ; some nausea before going to sleep. 16th,— Awoke before 5 with severe headache ; bowels moved about 7 a.m.^ a very copious mushy stool, darkish brown, very foetid ; after it sense of ** goneness,' also tenesmus, hypogastric aching, and dull weight in head. At 7,45 took jiv. Severe sticking and piercing pain in r, temple, followed by dull feeling in whole head ; great prostration, aggravated by motion ; flashes of heat in various parts of body ; pulse 88. At II, 6, and 8, urgent stools, thin, frothy, expelled with much force, and followed as before^ When micturating could hardly tell urine was passing ; but at times it left burning and tingling in urethra. 17th, — In m, and e. very large loose stool with usual concomitants ; sphincter felt paralysed, and anus open afterwards 1 8th. — Two more such stools in m., leaving inclination as if more would come.

During days of taking drug (13th — i6th) urine was slightly increased in quantity, as also urea ; but sp. gr. was a little lower than normal. On 2 d. after omission everything was reversed. Characters and concomitants of stools continued till they became quite normal. Appetite was craving and palate keen throughout proving. For 2 or 3 n. had profuse perspirations ; and while under influence of drug had more or less pain in back.

h. Made second proving of same, taking Jss of tinct. on Aug. 29th and 30th. — After 2nd dose (m.) fairly natural stool, but with usual concomitants j also flashes of heat followed by quite profuse perspiration, and much spitting of tenacious saliva and mucus» At 1.40 p.m. another ^ss. Aching pain, at times sharp and sticking, in sacrum, occasionally in hip, knee, and ankle ; darting pains in diff^erent parts of bowels ; pain in r. temple, followed by confused and dull aching in head ; vertigo at times, aggravated by ascending. At 5.15 same dose. Again perspiration and vertigo, also attacks of deathly nausea. After micturition dull pain about sphincter vesicae, as if it tried to close, but could not, 31st, — Restless during n, ; quite severe headache on waking. At 7.50 a,m, another Jss, Very large thin stool at 9, with

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usual concomitants : pain again in knees, especially L At 6 another 3ss : some nausea, head symptoms as before, with spells of marked vertigo. Stool next m, as before ; return of vesical weakness^ Pains in joints at times quite severe, also at inferior angle of L scapula. These symptoms^ — greater activity of bowels, bearing-down in rectum^ relaxation of sphincter ani, r, temporal headache, vertigo, pain in kneejoints, keen appetite — continued for some time : he also occasionally passed blood with stool ; and had quick, sharp, catching pains in heart, with palpitation.

From Aug. 30th to Sept, ist urine was below normal in quantity and amount of urea, but slightly in excess in sp. gr,

r. Same proved hot infusion of fresh root. Before retiring, Sept. 28th, 3ss. Soon much nausea, but no vomiting. 29th, — Pulse 68, regular. At 7 a.m. ^%s* Nausea returned ; rumbling and weak feeling in lower bowel ; headache, beginning in r. temple, soon sharp and stabbing, followed by confusion in head and vertigo ; aching extends to meatus auditodus. Stool as usual. At 10.30 Jss* Feeling of goneness ; severe pain in head ; arms feel too weak to be moved ; pains in joints reappear, Ac 2, ^ss. In 20 m,, pulse 60, described by medical friend as ^' full, slow, irregular, intermittent, dicrotic ; at times feeble and readily compressed/* Another, listening at chest, found " heart beating regularly for a short time, then fluttering occasionally and very feeble, then slow and laboured, now and then losing a beat j ** he also noticed a clicking beat, for which he could not account. During afternoon and e., slight darting pains in region of heart, feeling of weakness there, had to breathe deeply from feeling of suffocation. After this, flashes of heat followed by perspiration. Stool, as usual. At 5.20 pulse found for first J of m. 18, for last ^ 32 ; at 6 it was 66, intermitting, which it continued to do that d. and n. Took no more of drug; slept well; on rising, pulse 60, fuller and more regular j stool mushy, yellow, flatulent ; pain and weakness of heart returned ; sensation as if it beat slowly, then fluttered, then went on regularly again j impulse at times very indistinct ; sharp pain at intervals at inferior angle of I. scapula. Head symptoms continue, but with less vertigo. More or less aching in joints. Whole frame very weak.

Writing on Jan. 30th, prover states that after last experiment head and heart symptoms disappeared gradually up to Oct. 15th. Bowels continued over-active for some time, but were then normal, save that sphincter still felt relaxed. While too frequent (3 times a d.) he would feel bloated in abdomen, with slight pain here and there; then urgent desire for stool, making him feel that it might escape prematurely. This always occurred immediately after eating. The usual symptoms followed the stools ; also considerable itching at anus. Appetite never better. Joint and scapular pains also continued long ; and little boils appeared on face and thighs.

During days of last proving, urine was normal in quantity, slightly in excess in sp. gr., and considerably so in urea (454 gr. as compared with 369 m health).

Volume I — Appendix

Apocgmum.— 8. a. For " Marshall," read " Wanstall/'

Volume II — Appendix

Apocynum cannabinum.-After I. 8, add " (Ibid., p. 313);" and after I. 9, " (Ibid., p. 314)."

Volume IV — Appendix

H APOCYNUM CANNABINUM.

^H (See vol. i, p. 3»3.)

WM III. Experiments on anima/s.—i. Some experiments P have recently been made to ascertain the physiological act

^of wc ea<

^thi

ave recently been made to ascertain the physiological action of A. by

Dr. J, Rose Bradford, who has most kindly allowed me to quote some

f the results he has obtained therefrom. In two of these experiments

e used a tincture of the root, one in ten of proof spirit. Dr. Bradford

ds that the principal action of A. is on the heart. By it the heart

of a dog is slowed down to a very remarkable degree, for, when it is

well under the influence of the drug, it beats as slowly as two beats to

each respiration, or even three beats to every two respirations. This

is a much more powerful effect than can be produced experimentally

th digitalis ; for before this amount of slowing is reached by the

latter drug the vagus becomes paralysed, and the heart beats more

rapidly and irregularly. A. strengthens the heart's beat and increases

the tonus, so that it stops the frog's heart in systole. It generally

stops the mammalian heart in diastole, but a sudden massive dose may

stop the mammalian heart in systole. From this it is evident that the

action of apocynum on the heart is similar to that of digitalis^ stro-

hanthus, adonidin, caffein and spartein, only its power of slowing the

heart seems to be greater than in the other members of this group.

ts action on the arteries, as shown by changes in the blood-pressure,

differs from that of digitalis, for Dr. Bradford finds that apocynum

uses no definite rise of blood-pressure, indicating that it does not

use contraction of the arteries.