*Duboisia.

*Duboisia.

Source and Composition. The leaves of Duboisia myoporoides, an Australian tree of the order Solanaceae. It contains an alkaloid, Duboisine, which is apparently identical with Hyoscyamine.

Preparations.

*Extractum Duboisiae,—Dose, gr. 1/6-1/4.

*Tinctura Duboisiae, gtt. v-xx.

*Duboisinae Sulphas, Duboisine Sulphate (Langenberg's), gr. 1/100-1/60.

Physiological Action is in every respect similar to that of its congener, Belladonna, except that the alkaloid Duboisine is more soluble in water than Atropine, is less irritating to mucous membranes, and more prompt in mydriatic action, but its effects are of shorter duration. It is also less of a cerebral excitant, and more of a calmative and hypnotic. Ringer says that on man its action is more powerful than that of Atropine, but less powerful on frogs.

Therapeutics. Duboisine has hitherto been used only by ophthahmologists as a mild substitute for Atropine, though it may be used instead of the latter in many conditions, especially the night-sweats of phthisis, respiratory neuroses, and cardiac failure. In—

Mania, puerperal and other forms,—Duboisia is of remarkable value, though at first it rather increases the maniacal excitement.

A Compend of Materia Medica, Therapeutics, and Prescription Writing, 1902, by Sam'l O. L. Potter, M.D., M.R.C.P.L.