141. Adonis vernalis. N.F.—False hellebore.
Botanical name:
141. ADONIS VERNALIS, N.F.—FALSE HELLEBORE. The herb of Adon'is vernal'is Linné. This rather obscure drug owes its poisonous quality and medicinal activity to a glucoside, adonidin, whose physiological action seems to be almost identical with that of digitalin, except that it is more powerful, and not cumulative. Like digitalis, it is used in heart disease and dropsy, slowing the heart's action, and making it more regular and forcible; it greatly increases urinary secretion. Dose: 2 to 10 gr. (0.12 to 0.6 Gm.), in infusion.
