Spigelia. Spigelia marilandica.

Synonym—Maryland Pink.

CONSTITUENTS—

Spigeline (bitter principle), fixed oil, volatile oil, resin, wax, tannin, salts.

PREPARATIONS—

Extractum Spigeliae Fluidum. Fluid Extract of Spigelia. Dose, from one-half to two drams.

Therapy—Spigelia is specific in the removal of intestinal worms. It need not be given in large doses, and if used with proper care, is most effectual. An excellent formula is the following, which contains united action of the two agents: Fluid extract of spigelia, two drams; santonine pulverized fifteen grains; simple elixir, a sufficient quantity to make two ounces. A teaspoonful is given on rising and retiring.

If this agent is followed, on the third day, by an efficient non-irritating laxative, it seldom fails to remove lumbricoids. The worms are not always entire when removed, but the evidences of their presence are gone, a slimy or heavy mucous discharge occurring from the action of the physic.

Spigelia is said to have a mild influence upon the heart. Webster says it is beneficial in endocarditis, especially in the rheumatic form, and that it will protect the heart from rheumatic attacks. It is stated that it is beneficial in angina, in all neuralgic heart affections, and in functional palpitations. The Spigelia Anthelmintica is thought to be more active in its influence upon the heart than the Spigelia Marilandica; otherwise there is but little difference in the two species.

The American Materia Medica, Therapeutics and Pharmacognosy, 1919, was written by Finley Ellingwood, M.D.
It was scanned by Michael Moore for the Southwest School of Botanical Medicine.