Aspidospermine

[B] Aspidospermine or Quebrachine is derived from the

Chilian "white Quebracho" (Aspidospermia Quebracho). At

Santigo de Chile the bark is used as a substitute for

Cinchona as a febrifuge. The alkaloid forms salts with

Citric, Hydrochloric and Sulphuric acids.



PREPARATION.--Trituration of the alkaloid.



(Dr. Edwin M. Hale communicated the following concerning

this alkaloid to the Homoeopathic Recorder for 1889):



Dyspnoea.--This alkaloid is from the South American

tree--Quebracho. The maximum dose, according to Merck, is 1/10th

grain. I use the 1/500th trituration, which I find most efficient in

doses of 2 to 5 grains.



CASE I.--A boy of ten. The attacks of spasmodic dyspnoea were a sequel

of hay fever. The aggravation was at night, when lying down, or sleep

was impossible. I tried Ipecac and Arsenic, but with no effect.

Aralia, also. (I never had any curative or palliative effects from

Aralia.)



Prescribed Aspidospermine, 1/500th trituration, 2 grains every two

hours, all day. The night was comfortable, could lie down and sleep.

Continued the remedy for four days, when he was so much better that the

medicine was suspended.



CASE II.--Cardiac dyspnoea in a man of 60. Valvular disease,

hypertrophy with dilatation. Distressing difficulty of breathing from

the slightest exertion; had to sit upright day and night. Face livid

from venous stasis. Strophanthus regulated and strengthened the

heart's action, but only slightly benefited the dyspnoea. Five grains

of Aspidospermine, 1/500th trituration, every two hours effected a

marvellous change. He could walk about the house and out to his carriage

with but little discomfort. He has now continued it three weeks.

Observes no unpleasant symptoms. Can lie on his back and right side and

is very grateful for the relief. It seems to act as well as an aid to

Digitalis, or Strophanthus, in cardiac dyspnoea.