Triosteum. Horse Gentian. Triosteum perfoliatum.
Triosteum. T. perfoliatum L. Horse Gentian. Bastard Ipecac. Tinker's Weed. Wild Coffee. Fever Root. Feverwort. Wild Ipecac. Racine de Trieste, Fr. Dreisteinwurzel, G. (Fam. Caprifoliaceae.)—This plant is found in rich woods from Massachusetts to Alabama and westward to Nebraska, preferring a limestone soil and shady situations. The rhizome or root, the part used, is horizontal, long, about 15 mm. in diameter, thicker and tuberculated near the origin of the stem, of a yellowish or brownish color externally, whitish within, and furnished with fibers which may be considered as branches of the main root. When dry it is brittle and easily pulverized. On microscopic examination, numerous crystals of calcium oxalate are to be seen. It has a sickening odor, and a bitter, nauseous taste. It is said to contain an alkaloid which Andree believed to be identical with emetine, but which Hartwich has shown to be different. It yields its active properties to both water and alcohol. Triosteum is cathartic, and in large doses emetic and perhaps diuretic. The bark of the root may be given in doses of twenty to thirty grains (1.3-2.0 Gm.), or the extract in half the quantity. For uses, see A. J. P., 1891, 326.
