The drug consists of the leaves of Pilocarpus jaborandi, belonging to family Rutaceae
PILOCARPUS
Synonyms
Jaborandi, Arruda do Mato, Arruda brava, Jamguarandi,
Juarandi.
Biological Source
The drug consists of the leaves of Pilocarpus jaborandi, belonging to family Rutaceae
Geographical Source
It is indigenous to South America and especially grown in
Brazil also it is found in Venenzuela, Caribbean islands and Central America.
History
Dr. Coutinho in 1874 sent the plant to Europe from
Pernambuco, hence the name Pernambuco jaborandi or Pilocarpus jaborandi. Later, Byasson in 1875 showed its alkaloidal
nature and further Gerrard and Hardy isolated the main alkaloid pilocarpine.
Characteristics
The shrub grows from 4 to 5 feet high; the bark is smooth
and greyish; the flowers are thick, small and reddish-purple in colour,
springing from rather thick, separate stalks about 1/4 inch long. The leaves
are large compound, pinnate with an odd terminal leaflet, with two to four
pairs of leaflets.
Chemical Constituents
The drug contains imidazole alkaloids among, which
pilocarpine is most important. Other alkaloids are isopilocarpine,
pilocarpidine, pilosine, pseudopilocarpine and isopilosine. The range of total
alkaloids in different species is between 0.5% and 1%.
Chemical Test
To the drug containing pilocarpine, small quantities of
dilute sulphuric acid, hydrogen peroxide solution, benzene and potassium
chromate solution is added and shaken, organic layer gives bluish-violet colour
and yellow colour appears in aqueous layer.
Uses
Pilocarpine is antagonistic to atropine, stimulating the
nerve endings paralysed by that drug, and contracting the pupil of the eye. Its
principal use is as a powerful and rapid diaphoretic. It induces also free
salivation and excites most gland secretions, some regarding it as a
galactagogue. It is also used in ophthalmic practice in the treatment of
glaucoma.
TH 2019 - 2025 pharmacy180.com; Developed by Therithal info.