Berberinum

Volume I — Special Symptomatology

Pharmacology. — Berberina is obtained from many plants, notably from Hydrastis, Coptis Columbo, as well as from the Berberis vulgaris, from which plant it takes its name. It is the yellow principle of the roots of all these plants. The Hydrastia sold as the active principle of golden-seal is principally Berberina. The true Hydrastia is composed of colorless crystals. The salts of Berberina, as well as the alkaloid itself, is very sparingly soluble in cold water or alcohol. The Muriate of Berberina is generally used, although many physicians prefer the Sulphate. A phosphate is now extensively used, under the name of Phosphate of Hydrastia.

1 think the Hypophosphite will be found superior to all others of its salts. The wrongly-named Muriate of Hydrastina, as well as other salts of Hydrastina, are all salts of Berberina.

Officinal Preparations. — Triturations of the alkaloid or its salts. Analogues. — Aletris, China, (Quinia,) Coptis, Columbo, Berberis, Hydrastis, Helonias, Nux vom., Ptelea, Ferrum, Gentiana.

(See Therapeutics of Hydrastis, and compare Pathogenesis of Berberis.)

2 Muscular debility, atony and wasting;

0 Myalgia, and all the pains incident thereto. ° Enlargement of the liver, (and spleen?) 0 Intermittent fevers; remittent fevers.

° Loss of appetite, with slow and imperfect digestion.

[Useful in all cases where Hydrastis is recommended except in diseases of mucous membrane.]