Adonidin, a very similar substance, has been separated from the root of the Adonis vernalis (Nat. Ord. Ranunculaceæ), to which the name of adonidin has been given.[588] It is an amorphous, colourless substance, without odour; soluble in alcohol, but with difficulty soluble in ether and water. It is precipitated by tannin, and on saponification by mineral acids, splits up into sugar and a substance soluble in ether. The effects on animals are identical with those of digitalin. The root has been used recently in medicine, and found to slow the heart and increase the urinary secretion; in this also it is like digitalis.
[588] Cervello, Archiv für exp. Path. Pharm., 1882, p. 338.
§ 558. Oleandrin.—Oleander leaves contain two chemically-different, nitrogen-free substances. The one is probably identical with digitalein; but as this is not certain, Schmiedeberg proposes to call it provisionally neriin. The other active substance is essentially the same as the oleandrin of Lukomske[589] and Betelli.[590] Oleandrin has basic properties, and is separated in the form of an amorphous mass, soluble in alcohol, ether, and chloroform, and slightly soluble in water. Schmiedeberg obtained a third product from African leaves, which he calls nerianthin. This, on treatment with sulphuric acid and bromine, gives a beautiful colour peculiar to oleander leaves. It is very similar in physiological and chemical properties to digitalin, and is probably derived by decomposition from one of the principles already described. There is also a product similar to digitaliresin.
[589] Repert. de Chimie de Wurtz et Bareswill, t. iii. p. 77, 1861.
[590] Bull. Med. di Bologna, t. xix. p. 321, 1865.