Stramonii Semina, B.P. Stramonium Seeds.
Related entries: Stramonium Leaves
Stramonium seeds are obtained from Datura Stramonium, Linn. (N.O. Solanaceae). The dried, ripe seeds are dark brown or nearly black in colour, flattened, reniform in outline, and average about 4 millimetres in length. The surface is reticulated and minutely pitted. The embryo is curved in longitudinal section and is embedded in an oily endosperm. The seeds have a scarcely perceptible odour, but a bitter, oily taste. The drug yields about 2 per cent. of ash.
Constituents.—The seeds contain from 0.16 to 0.28 per cent. of alkaloid, the average being 0.22 per cent., consisting of hyoscyamine associated with atropine and scopolamine; they also contain from 15 to 30 per cent. of fixed oil; the latter has a specific gravity of 0.919, and contains daturic and other acids.
Action and Uses.—The properties of stramonium seeds resemble those of stramonium leaves. They are used in the preparation of Extractum Stramonii, which is given in pills to allay cough in spasmodic and bronchitic asthma. In case of poisoning by stramonium the antidotes recommended for belladonna poisoning should be employed.
PREPARATIONS.
- Extractum Stramonii, B.P.—EXTRACT OF STRAMONIUM.
- Stramonium seeds, in No. 40 powder, 100; alcohol (70 per cent.), a sufficient quantity. Exhaust the drug by slow percolation with the alcohol, recover most of the alcohol by distillation, and concentrate the percolate to a firm extract. Extract of stramonium has similar properties to extract of belladonna. It is given in pills, in combination with other anti-asthmatics. Dose.—15 to 60 milligrams (1/4 to 1 grain).
- Unguentum Stramonii, B.P.C.—STRAMONIUM OINTMENT. 1 (extract) in 10.
- Used like belladonna ointment, as a local anodyne, and to diminish secretion in acute inflammatory conditions, haemorrhoids, etc.
