Sparteine.
Related entry: Cytisus scoparius
Formula—C15H26N2.
Description—Obtained from the distillation of a concentrated infusion of the tops of the cytisus scoparius, or from the mother liquor after precipitating scoparin. It is a colorless liquid of an oily consistence, soluble in alcohol, ether and chloroform.
Sparteine Sulphate.
Description—A crystallized product from the action of sulphuric acid on sparteine. It is crystalline, or a white powder, neutral, odorless, bitter, deliquescent, soluble in water and alcohol. Dose, from one-tenth to one-half of a grain.
Physiological Action—The agent has a profound influence upon the nerve centers, thence upon the heart. It quickens the pulse rate, increases arterial tension, augments the force of the muscular contraction of the ventricles, and increases the movement of the blood through the arterioles. It stimulates the action of the kidneys to a marked degree and produces mild diaphoresis. In overdoses it produces muscular trembling, incoordination, emesis, catharsis, and finally paralysis of the respiratory and motor centers. The heart is stopped in systole.
Therapy—Sparteine is a remedy for weak heart with muscular feeble-ness. It is useful in palpitation from heart strain and exhaustion. It has been used in Graves' disease, and is thought to be of much value in this trouble. Simple goitre also may be benefited by it. It produces its effects quickly, and the influence remains for several hours. It is a diuretic, removing dropsical effusions which result from feebleness of the circulation. It is not a remedy to be depended upon in all cases.
The American Materia Medica, Therapeutics and Pharmacognosy, 1919, was written by Finley Ellingwood, M.D.
It was scanned by Michael Moore for the Southwest School of Botanical Medicine.
