Sabina

Savine

Savine. The tops of Juniperus sabina Linné (Nat. Ord. Coniferae). Sabine, Fr.; Sabenkraut, Ger.

Composition

Savine contains an essential oil, in the proportion of two to two and a half per cent in the tops and about ten per cent in the berries. The oil of savine is isomeric with the oil of turpentine.

Oleum Sabinae

Oil of savine. Dose, τηj—τη, v.

Extractum Sabinae Fluidum

Fluid extract of savine. Dose, τη v —τη xv.

Actions and Uses

Savine has a strong, disagreeable odor, and a pungent, acrid taste. Applied to the skin, the oil causes inflammation and vesication, if the contact be sufficiently prolonged. Introduced into the stomach in a full medicinal dose, a sensation of heat, eructations tasting of the oil, flatulence, and nausea, are produced. A toxic dose sets up a violent gastro-enteritis. The oil diffuses readily into the blood, and is excreted by various channels—the breath, the sweat, and the urine smelling strongly of it. Increased action of the heart and a rise of tension of the arterial system, followed by diminished tonus of the vessels, result from its administration in full medicinal doses. The cutaneous, bronchial, and urinary excretions are rendered more abundant by savine. Strangury and bloody urine are caused by it in overdoses. The evidence is conclusive that savine exerts a powerful influence on the uterine system. It increases the menstrual flux, and in toxic doses may originate uterine action and cause abortion. The abortifacient effect can not be obtained unless by the administration of a quantity sufficient to endanger life.

The only use to which savine is now applied is in the treatment of amenorrhoea. It is generally conceded that the estimate of its powers made by Pereira is not extravagant, namely, that "it is the most certain and powerful emmenagogue of the whole materia medica." Savine is indicated in amenorrhoea dependent on deficient activity of the sexual system, accompanied by general atony. It is inadmissible when a tendency to congestion of the pelvic viscera is present, or in a condition of general plethora. Cases of dysmenorrhoea are benefited by savine when the subject is of relaxed habit, the menstrual flow being scanty, provided narrowing of the cervical canal is not the cause of the painful and difficult menstruation. Menorrhagia, when due to an enlarged, relaxed, and passively congested uterus, and haemorrhage after abortion, may sometimes be arrested by this agent.

The most effective preparation of savine is the oil. This may be prescribed in gelatin-capsules, in an emulsion, or in pilular form. The fluid extract, if made from the fresh tops, is an excellent preparation. Combination with other remedies of the same group increases the action of savine. Rx O1. sabinae, 3 j; ol. rutae, 3 j; tinct. polygon, hydropi-per, oz j; ol. amygdal. express., mucil. acaciae, aquae menth. pip., āā3 ij. M. Sig.: A tea-spoonful twice or three times a day as an emmenagogue.

Authorities referred to:

Aran, M. Bulletin Général de Thérapeutique, vol. xxx, p. 61.

Beau, M. Le Dr. Ibid., vol. xliii, p. 140.

Flucker and Hanbury. Pharmacographia.

Husemann, Dr. Theodor. Handbuch, zweiter Band, p. 1200.

Kohler, Dr. Hermann. Handbuch, p. 387.

Taylor, Dr. A. S. On Poisons, third edition, London, p. 494.

Van de Warker, Dr. Ely. The Detection of Criminal Abortion, 1872.