-IBIS-1.5.0-

rx

herb

Physostigma venenosum (Calabar Bean)

botanicals

definition

botanical name(s): Physostigma venenosum

synonyms: calabar bean

part(s) used: ripe seed

qualities:

affinities:

actions:

dosage:

» tincture: 1/30 - 5 drops (.002 ml. - 0.3 ml.)

therapy:

toxicity: 4; see parasympathomimetic toxidrome

» treatment of overdose: Atropine; strong digitalis glycosides have been used to treat cardiac disturbances (Theines and Haley, p. 109; von Oettingen, p. 500)

» contraindicated in pregnancy, reportedly teratogenic (Keeler and Tu, p. 166)

» Parasympathomimetic toxidrome; acetylcholinesterase inhibitor: produces bradycardia, intense salivation, nausea, lacrimation, perspiration, miosis, fasciculations, tremors, restlessness, confusion, coma and collapse. Pulse rate may increase or decrease. Death occurs following convulsions and cardiorespiratory collapse (Cain, p. 539; Duke, pp. 365-366; Morton, p. 173; Theines and Haley, p. 109; von Oettingen, p. 500)

» overdose signs and symptoms: colic, miosis, and profuse perspiration set this toxidrome apart from any other neural toxidromes; miosis occurs with rigidity of pupils, spasmodic accommodation, diplopia, nystagmus, and a widening of the visual field; occasionally, a decrease in intraocular pressure leads to glaucoma (Theines and Haley, p. 109)

» asphyxia may occur leading to pulmonary edema and an overproduction of bronchial mucus (Theines and Haley, p. 109)

» reflexes continue until death (von Oettingen, p. 500)

constituents: alkaloids; mainly physostigmine

footnotes

Cain, H.D. 1980. Flint's Emergency Treatment and Management, 6th ed. Philadelphia: W.B. Saunders Company.

Duke, J.A. 1985. C.R.C. Handbook of Medicinal Herbs. Boca Raton, FL: The C.R.C. Press.

Keeler, R.F., and Tu, A.T. 1983. Handbook of Natural Toxins. New York: Marcel Dekker, Inc.

Morton, J.F. 1977. Major Medicinal Plants: Botany, Culture, Uses. Springfield, IL: Charles C. Thomas.

Thienes, C.H., Haley, T.J. 1975. Clinical Toxicology. 5th ed. Philadelphia: Lea and Febiger.

von Oettingen, W.F. 1958. Poisoning: A Guide to Clinical Diagnosis and Treatment. Philadelphia: W.B. Saunders and Company.

B>. Boca Raton, FL: The C.R.C. Press.

Keeler, R.F., and Tu, A.T. 1983. Handbook of Natural Toxins. New York: Marcel Dekker, Inc.

Morton, J.F. 1977. Major Medicinal Plants: Botany, Culture, Uses. Springfield, IL: Charles C. Thomas.

Thienes, C.H., Haley, T.J. 1975. Clinical Toxicology. 5th ed. Philadelphia: Lea and Febiger.

von Oettingen, W.F. 1958. Poisoning: A Guide to Clinical Diagnosis and Treatment. Philadelphia: W.B. Saunders and Company.

s and Treatment. Philadelphia: W.B. Saunders and Company.