A dried paste, prepared from the crushed or ground seeds of Paullinia sorbilis Martius (Nat. Ord. Sapindaceae).

Extractum Gruaranae Fluidum

Fluid extract of guarana. Dose, τηx— 3 ij.

Composition

It contains a principle which has been entitled guaranine, and which subsequent researches have proved to be identical with caffeine.

Actions and Uses

The physiological effects of paullinia are due to its alkaloid, chiefly; and, as this is the same as caffeine, the observations already made on the latter are equally applicable to the former. One instance has come under the author's observation, in which the use of guarana had become a habit. Every morning the lady took a considerable dose of the paste before appearing to the world. Quite a serious effort was required to wean her from it. As is the usual result, the accustomed stimulus withdrawn, digestion and assimilation became feeble, and loss of flesh occurred; but, after recovery, all was regained that had been lost.

The special use of paullinia is in the treatment of sick-headache or migraine. It is adapted to the so-called nervous form of sick-headache, and is less efficient when the attacks are due to stomachal troubles. As it possesses, directly or indirectly, restorative powers, it may be employed to promote constructive metamorphosis. Administered with this view, it may be given with advantage in the convalescence from acute maladies, in incipient phthisis, and in the wasting diseases generally.

Authorities referred to:

Amort, Dr. R. Boston Medical and Surgial Journal, 1868, p. 17.

Aubert, M. Physiological Action of Caffeine. Centralblatt, 1873, p. 124.

Bennett, Dr. Alexander. Physiological Actions of Theine, Caffeine, Guaranine, Cocaine, and Theobromine. Pamphlet, 1873.

Huchard, Dr. Henri. De la Cafeine dans les Affections du Coeur. Journal de Thérapeutic, September 10, 1882.

Leven, M. Archiv de Physiologie, 1868, pp. 179, 470.

Pratt, Dr. Boston Medical and Surgical Journal, vol. ii, 1868, p. 6.

Schmiedeberg Prof. 0. Ueber die Verschiedenheit der Caffeinwirkung an Rana tem-poraria L. und Rana esculenta L. Arch.f. exper. Path. u. Phar., 1874, p. 63.