Palicourea. Palicourea rigida.
Palicourea. Palicourea rigida H. B. K. (Fam. Rubiaceae.)—The leaves of this tree are used in Brazil as a diuretic and diaphoretic. In 1866 Peckholdt found in them an alkaloid and three organic acids. One of these acids, consisting of a yellow, oily liquid with an overpowering odor, was found to be distinctly poisonous, one drop injected into a pigeon being enough to cause death. This was called myotonic acid. A crystalline palicouric acid, an amorphous tannin, and another amorphous non-toxic bitter principle were also isolated. Santesson has confirmed the presence of an alkaloid. (A. Pharm., 235.)