The active principle—a glucoside—of Adonis vernalis, a member of the Ranunculaceae

Properties

Adonidin is an amorphous substance, without odor, colorless, and intensely bitter. It is soluble to a very trivial extent in water, but is freely soluble in alcohol. The dose of adonidin is one eighth to one half grain, and the best form for administration is the compressed pellet or granule.

The first study of adonidin was made by Bubnow in Prof. Botkin's laboratory; but he failed to isolate the active principle, which was subsequently accomplished by Cervello, of Strasburg.

Actions and Uses

Although there are differences of opinion on this point, it is probable that adonidin, in many subjects, causes nausea, vomiting, and diarrhoea (Leyden). The chief function for which it has been used in medicine is as a substitute for digitalis. It slows the heart, lengthens the interval between the beats, and raises the general vascular tension by contracting the arterioles. It has also considerable diuretic power, increasing the flow of water and of solids (Lublinski).

Adonidin acts more quickly and also more powerfully than digitalis, and, in some instances, it has seemed to have more curative power. To begin the action before digitalis has had time to act, to supply its place in cases of idiosyncrasy, and to form combinations when the action of each is supplemented, are the various conditions vhich justify the use of adonidin.

Authorities for strophantus, sparteine, and adonidin:

Altmann, Dr. Semaine Med. Abstract in Annuaire de Thérap. for 1885. (Substitutes for digitalis.)

Bubnow, Dr. Adonidin. Abstract in Centralblatt fur die gesammte Therapie for 1885.

Cervello, V. Dr. Archiv für experimentelle Pathologie und Pharmacologie, vol. xv.

Durand, Dr. Thése de Paris, 1886. (On Adonidin.) Annuaire de Thérapeutique for 1886.

Fraser, Prof. Thomas R. The British Med. Journal, January 22, 1887. (Strophantus.)

Gluzuniski, Dr. (Sparteine.) Note in Lancet of February 19, 1887.

Laborde et Legris, Drs. Archives de Physiol. Normale et Pathologique, May, 1886. (Sparteine.)

Leyden, Prof. Dr. Annuaire de Thérap., 1886. (Sparteine, etc.)

Lublinski, Dr. Ibid.

See, Prof. Dr. Bull. Gén. de Thérap. Various numbers for 1885, 1886, and 1887.