The dried ripe seeds of Schoe nocaulon officinale (Asagrcea officinalis). Mexico.

Characters. - Fruit about half an inch long, consisting of three lighi-brown papyraceous follicles, each containing from one to three seeds, which are about a quarter of an inch long, blackish-brown, shining, slightly winged, possessing an intensely acrid bitter taste. The seeds only are officinal.

B.P. Preparation. Veratrina.

Composition. - Three alkaloids, the first - veratrine - being the active principle. The remaining alkaloids - sabadillina and sabatrina - occur in very small quantities, and are of little importance in pharmacy.