Origin. - The ripe seed of Strophanthus Kombt Oliver, deprived of its long awn. The plant is a woody climber, ascending to the tops of high trees, from which it hangs in festoons. It is found in tropical Africa, where it and other species of strophanthus are used to prepare arrow-poisons termed kombb, Inee, Inege, etc.

Description and Properties. - The seeds are about 3/4 inch (15 Mm.) long and 1/6 to 1/5 inch (4-5 Mm.) broad, oblong-lanceolate, flattened and obtusely-edged, grayish-green, covered with appressed silky hairs, one side extending into the attenuated, pointed end; kernel white and oily, consisting of a straight embryo having two cotyledons, and surrounded by a thin layer of perisperm; nearly inodorous; taste very bitter.

Many of the species of strophanthus contain a glycoside, strophanthin, upon which their medicinal properties depend. Feist has also isolated a pseudostrophanthin. Stroph anthidin is also described as a separate glycoside found in some of the seeds. It also contains kombic acid. Another active principle, ouabain, is obtained from a related species of strophanthus.

Dose. - 1 grain (0.065 Gm.), U. S. P.

Official Preparation

Tinctura Strophanthi - Tincturae Strophanthi - Tincture of Strophanthus (10 per cent.). - Dose, 2-10 minims (0.12-0.6 Cc.) [8 minims (0.5 Cc), U. S. P.].