VERATRINE
The alkaloid Veratrine is obtained from the dried fruit of Asagrœa officinalis (N.O. Melanthaceæ).
The alkaloid is in the form of a white amorphous powder, bitter and acrid to the taste. It acts as a powerful errhine, causing violent sneezing. Insoluble in water, it is readily dissolved by alcohol, ether, and chloroform. When gently heated on a plate with strong sulphuric acid, it first turns yellow, then crimson. Veratrine is entirely dissipated by heat.
Two grains of the alkaloid killed a cat in one minute; a dog being destroyed in two hours by a dose of three grains. The one-sixteenth of a grain (?) of veratrine in a pill caused alarming symptoms in an adult woman, for whom it was ordered by a medical man.
Symptoms.—Acrid burning sensation in the throat and down the œsophagus to the stomach, vomiting, great thirst, diarrhœa may occur with tenesmus. The pulse is feeble and respiration slow. The pupils may be dilated or contracted. Collapse and twitching of muscles, loss of consciousness and convulsions, or delirium and stupor may come on.
Post-mortem Appearances.—Are the same as in poisoning by any of the vegetable irritants.
Treatment.—Stomach pump, and emetics. Astringent infusions should be given, and alcohol and opium administered if the condition of the patient seems to require them.
Chemical Analysis.—Extract in the usual way for alkaloids.
1. Strong sulphuric acid produces a yellow colour, changing to red, produced rapidly if heated.
2. Strong hydrochloric acid and heat produces a red colour.
3. Sulphomolybdic acid produces a reddish colour, changing to dirty brown, greenish, and finally blue.
These tests should be done with the solid veratrine.