The medullary rays contain small starch granules, while the bark, as well as the pith, are richer in albuminous or mucilaginous matters.
Chemical Composition—The colouring matter in which the rhizome of Coptis abounds, is quickly dissolved by water. If the yellow solution obtained by macerating it in water is duly concentrated, nitric acid will produce an abundant heavy precipitate of minute yellow crystals, which if redissolved in a little boiling water will separate again in stellate groups. Solution of iodine also precipitates a cold infusion of the root.
These reactions as well as the bitterness of the drug are due to a large proportion of Berberine, as proved by J. D. Perrins.[21] The rhizome yielded not less than 8½ per cent., which is more than has been met with in any other of the numerous plants containing that alkaloid.
As pure berberine is scarcely dissolved by water, it must be combined in Coptis with an acid forming a soluble salt. Further researches are requisite to determine the nature of this acid. In some plants berberine is accompanied by a second basic principle: whether in the present instance such is the case, has not been ascertained.
Uses—The drug has been introduced into the Pharmacopœia of India as a pure, bitter tonic.
Substitutes—Thalictrum foliolosum DC., a tall plant common at Mussooree and throughout the temperate Himalaya at 5000-8000 feet, as well as on the Khasia Hills, affords a yellow root which is exported from Kumaon under the name Momiri. From the description in the Pharmacopœia of India, it would appear to much resemble the Mishmi Tita, and it is not impossible that some of the observations made under the head History ([p. 3]) may apply to Thalictrum as well as to Coptis.
In the United States the rhizome of Coptis trifolia Salisb., a small herb indigenous to the United States and Arctic America, and also found in European and Asiatic Russia, is employed for the same purposes as the Indian drug. It contains berberine and another crystalline principle.[22]
SEMEN STAPHISAGRIÆ.
Stavesacre; F. Staphisaigre; G. Stephanskörner, Läusesamen.
Botanical Origin—Delphinium Staphisagria L., a stout, erect, biennial herb growing 3 to 4 feet high, with palmate, 5-to 9-lobed leaves, which as well as the rest of the plant are softly pubescent.