leaf in helminthiasis, dysuna, arthritis, pain in the urinary bladder, dysuria, abscesses; dried seed powder in constipation, rheumatism, diseases of the liver and spleen, piles, lumbago, sciatica.
The root extract exhibited significant anti-inflammatory activity against carrageenan-, bradykinin-, 5-HT-and dextran-induced rat hind paw oedema. N-Demethylricinine showed dose-dependent anticholestatic and hepatoprotective activities in rats.
Castor oil, derived from the seeds, is a well-known purgative (dose 5— 20 ml).
Castor seed contains toxic components (2.8—3.0% on whole seed; about 10% in the flour) which are highly poisonous to human beings and animals. The principal toxic substance is the albumin, ricin. Allergens and a feebly toxic alkaloid ricinine is also present. An ulcerative factor in the seed is reported. Like other toxalbumins, ricin agglutinizes the mammalian red bleed corpuscles. (Ricin loses its toxicity and antigenic action on treatment with potassium permanganate.)
Castor oil consists principally of ricinoleic acid. Stearic, oleic, linoleic and dihydroxystearic acids are present in small amounts. The strong laxative
552 Rivea corymbosa Rallier f.
property of castor oil is reported due to the local irritant action caused in the intestines by ricinoleic acid formed by hydrolysis under the influence of lipolytic enzymes. (The oil should not be used with fat-soluble vermifuge, it may increase its absorption and toxicity.)
Dosage Root—20—30 g for
decoction. (API, Vol. I.) Leaf—lO— 20 ml juice; 2—5 g powder; seed—
0.5—3 g powder. (API, Vol. III.)
Rivea corymbosa Hallier f.
Family Convolvulaceae.
Habitat Native to tropical America; cultivated as an ornament in gardens in Mumbai, Pune and Belgaum.
English Ololiuqui, Snake Plant. Action Seeds—narcotic.
The psychic effect produced by the
ground seeds have been ascribed to the
R) presence of ergot-type alkaloids (up
to 0.07%) found in embryo. Among
the principal alkaloids identified in the
seeds are: ergine, isoergine, elymo clavine lysergol and chanoclavine. Er gometrine clymoclavine,
