The rhizome and roots of the Convallaria majalis, the lily of the valley. It contains two glucosides: one, convallarin, is crystalline, and has special qualities as a gastro-intestinal irritant; and the other, conval-lamarin, is amorphous, and acts as a stimulant to the circulation

Physiological Actions

Convallaria slows and strengthens the heart, and raises the blood pressure; makes the respirations a little more full and less frequent than ordinary, and is a very decided diuretic. In excessive doses the heart is disturbed and the pulse becomes irregular; the breathing is forced, deep and prolonged inspiration being produced by spasm of the inspiratory muscles.

When a poisonous quantity is taken, arterial pressure rises very high, and the pulse is correspondingly rapid, until shortly before death, when the pressure falls, respiration grows slow and deep, and the heart stops in systole. Convallaria does not affect the brain.

Preparations

Fluidextractum Convallariae. Not Official. Fluidextract Of Convallaria

Average dose,  viii-0.5 mil.

Convallamarinum. Not Official. Convallamarin

Average dose, gr. ss.-0.03 Gm.