Scoparius

Broom

Broom. The tops of Cystisis scoparius Linné (Nat. Ord. Leguminosae). (U. S. P.) Genet d balais, Fr.; Pfriemenkraut, Ger.

Composition

Scoparius contains an indifferent or somewhat acid crystallizable principle, scoparin, and an oily, colorless, liquid alkaloid, sparteine. The latter has very decided basic qualities, and agrees with conine and nicotine in being constituted without oxygen. Its actions and uses as a cardiac remedy have been given elsewhere, in connection with remedies therapeutically cognate. Here scoparius as a diuretic comes under consideration.

Actions and Uses

Buchu, uva ursi, pareira, pipsissewa, and scoparius, form a group of diuretics with properties in common. They are tonic, astringent diuretics. They promote appetite and digestion, and restrain intestinal movements, except pareira, which has rather a laxative action. Their active constituents diffuse into the blood and are eliminated by the kidneys. In passing over the genito-urinary tract these principles act topically upon the mucous membrane. As a rule they are actively diuretic; that is, they increase the amount of urinary water. Pipsissewa and scoparius are rather more actively diuretic than buchu and uva ursi, and hence are more useful in dropsy. By English physicians generally, and notably the late Dr. Pereira, scoparius is held in much esteem as a remedy for dropsy. It is adapted especially to the treatment of cardiac dropsy, and the general anasarca of chronic parenchymatous nephritis, but is inadmissible in acute affections of the kidney. Our indigenous remedy, pipsissewa, may be substituted for scoparius in the treatment of dropsy.

Buchu, uva ursi, and pareira, are more particularly useful in chronic pyelitis, catarrh of the bladder, chronic gonorrhoea, etc.; and of these the most efficient, probably, is buchu. The fluid extract is the most eligible form in which these remedies can be administered.