Veratri Viridis Rhizoma. Green Hellebore Rhizome.
Related entry: White Hellebore Rhizome - Sevadilla, Veratrine
Synonyms.—American Hellebore; American Veratrum.
Green hellebore rhizome is obtained from Veratrum viride, Ait. (N.O. Liliaceae), a common plant in the Eastern United States, and closely allied to V. album. The short, erect rhizome, with its abundant stout roots, is collected in the autumn; it is generally halved or quartered to facilitate drying, and is sometimes deprived of its roots. The drug closely resembles white hellebore, but may be distinguished by the yellowish-brown colour and shrivelled appearance of the root, as well as by the fact that it is commonly cut longitudinally.
Constituents.—It contains the same alkaloids as white hellebore, and in about the same proportion. In addition to these, cevadine is also said to be present, but this statement requires confirmation.
Action and Uses.—Green hellebore is a powerful sedative, acting upon the nervous, respiratory, and circulatory systems. It is administered chiefly in the form of Tinctura Veratri, but is rarely prescribed.
PREPARATIONS.
- Tinctura Veratri, B.P.C.—TINCTURE OF GREEN HELLEBORE. 1 in 10. Syn.—Tincture of Veratrum.
- Has been recommended as an arterial depressant in apoplexy from haemorrhage or effusion, and to cheek the convulsions of uraemia and eclampsia. In reality it raises blood pressure by constricting vessels, and is the worst possible treatment in such cases. It is used in America in much the same way as tincture of aconite. Dose.—3 to 20 decimils (0.3 to 2.0 milliliters) (5 to 30 minims).
- Tinctura Veratri, U.S.P.—Similar to B.P.C., but made with alcohol (95 per cent.)
- Tinctura Veratri Viridis, B.P. 1885.—TINCTURE OF GREEN HELLEBORE, B.P. 1885.
- Green hellebore rhizome, 20; rectified spirit, sufficient to produce 100. Dose.—3 to 10 decimils (0.3 to 1.0 milliliters) (5 to 20 minims).
