426 /JABORANDIagent for the manufacture of pilocarpine, but is used
medicinally only for homeopathic applications.The incorrect administration of pilocarpine eyedrops can
lead to poisoning through leakage into the nose or mouth.
Symptoms include bradycardia, bronchial spasms, colics,
collapse and possible cardiac arrest, convulsions, drop in
blood pressure, dyspnea, nausea, severe salivation, strong
secretion of sweat and vomiting.Pregnancy: Jaborandi should not be used during pregnancy.OVERDOSAGE
The lethal dose is approximately 60 mg of pilocarpine,
corresponding to 5 to 10 gm of the drug. Individuals with
cardiac and circulatory illnesses are particularly susceptible.
Following stomach and intestinal emptying (gastric lavage,
sodium sulphate), the treatment for poisonings consists of the
instillation of activated charcoal with atropine and the use of
diazepam in the case of spasms. Forced dialysis and the
administration of plasma volume expanders can also be
useful.DOSAGE
Mode of Administration: Jaborandi is obsolete by itself as a
drug.LITERATURE
Craveiro AA et al., (1979) J Nat Prod 42:169.
Hansel R, Keller K, Rimpler H, Schneider G (Hrsg.), Hagers
Handbuch der Pharmazeutischen Praxis, 5. Aufl., Bde 4-6
(Drogen), Springer Verlag Berlin, Heidelberg, New York, 1992-
1994.Lewin L, Gifte und Vergiftungen, 6. Aufl., Nachdruck, Haug
Verlag, Heidelberg 1992.Madaus G, Lehrbuch der Biologischen Arzneimittel, Bde 1-3,
Nachdruck, Georg Olms Verlag Hildesheim 1979.
Roth L, Daunderer M, Kormann K, Giftpflanzen, Pflanzengifte,- Aufl., Ecomed Fachverlag Landsberg Lech 1993.
Steinegger E, Hansel R, Pharmakognosie, 5. Aufl., Springer
Verlag Heidelberg 1992.
Tedeschi E, Kamionsky J, Fackler S, Sarel S, Isr J Chem
11:731-733. 1973.
Teuscher E, Lindequist U, Biogene Gifte - Biologie, Chemie,
Pharmakologie, 2. Aufl., Fischer Verlag Stuttgart 1994.
Teuscher E, Biogene Arzneimittel, 5. Aufl., Wiss. Verlagsges.
Stuttgart 1997.
Wagner H, Wiesenauer M, Phytotherapie. Phytopharmaka und
pflanzliche Homoopathika, Fischer-Verlag, Stuttgart, Jena, New
York, 1995.
PDR FOR HERBAL MEDICINESJack-in-the-Pulpit
Arisaema atrorubens
DESCRIPTION
Medicinal Parts: The medicinal part of the plant is the
rhizome.Flower and Fruit: The inflorescence (spadix) is yellowish-
white, later brown, club-shaped and surrounded by a larger
spathe. The spathe is greenish on the outside and white-
striped with a weak purple-violet tinge on the inside. The
fruit is a scarlet berry.Leaves, Stem and Root: Jack-in-the-Pulpit is a herbaceous
perennial rhizome, which extends up to 30 cm high. The
leaves are basal and trifoliolate-digitate. The leaflets are
ovoid, acuminate and entire. The rhizome is tuberous with
hair-like roots at the top, shaped into a wreath.Habitat: The plant is found in North America and China.Production: Arisaema root is the fresh rhizome of Arisaema
atrorubens.
ACTIONS AND PHARMACOLOGY
COMPOUNDS
Polysaccharides: starchPungent substances: structures are unknown (only in the
fresh root)EFFECTS
The pungent substances contained in the fresh drug are
severely irritating to skin and mucous membranes, as well as
being toxic. This toxicity is eliminated through dehydration
and/or extended cooking. The dried or cooked root serves as
a source of starch.INDICATIONS AND USAGE
Unproven Uses: Preparations have been used for chronic
bronchitis, asthma, colic, gastrointestinal disturbances, in-
flammation of the oral mucosa, rheumatism, for bumps, eye
inflammations and abscesses (as a poultice) and as a
contraceptive by the Hopi Indians.
PRECAUTIONS AND ADVERSE REACTIONS
General: No health hazards are known in conjunction with
the proper administration of designated therapeutic dosages.
The fresh rhizome is considered toxic. Internal administra-
tion leads to severe mucous membrane irritation and acute
gastrointestinal inflammations, and skin inflammation.Pregnancy: Contraindicated in pregnancy (used as a contra-
ceptive in folk medicine).
DOSAGE
No information is available.