Jaborandi.

Jaborandi. Under this name a number of drugs, used for their sialagogue and diaphoretic actions, are known in Brazil. In Europe, however, only the leaflets of Pilocarpus pennatifolius are recognised as jaborandi. It is a shrub about 4 or 5 feet high, slightly branched, the branches erect, leaves alternate, long-stalked, imparipinnate, and 1 to 1½ feet long; leaflets opposite, in two up to five pairs, with a terminal leaflet. Each leaflet is about 4 inches long, oval-oblong, very obtuse or emarginate at apex, entire, coriaceous, and containing a number of glands which show as dots against the light. Flowers in racemes. This species is a native of Brazil. Jaborandi is official in the British Pharmacopœcia, and is there defined as the dried leaflets of Pilocarpus pennatifolius. They contain an alkaloid, pilocarpine, C₁₁H₁₈N₂O₂, to which the effects of the plant are chiefly due; another alkaloid, jaborine; and two decomposition products of these, named respectively pilocarpidine and jaboridine. There are also present a volatile oil and a bitter substance. Jaborandi was first brought to the notice of medical men in Europe by Dr Coutinho of Brazil in 1874, and since then its action has been very fully investigated by numerous physiologists. When pilocarpine, or preparations taken from it, are taken internally there ensue very profuse salivation and perspiration, with depression of the circulation and disturbance of vision. Large doses cause in addition nausea, vomiting, and great muscular relaxation. The salivation and perspiration may be completely arrested or prevented by the administration of atropine. Locally applied to the eye it causes contraction of the pupil, and interferes with accommodation and vision. It is used in iritis, in Bright's disease, and in various conditions where its sialagogue or diaphoretic effects are desirable.