Solaninum

SoLANiNUM. An alkaloid obtained from various Solanums, especially S. dulcamara and S. nigrum; also from the Potato plan S. tuberosum. C43H69OX6. Trituration. Also Solaninum ACETicuM. C43U69OX6C9H4OS. Trituration. Solution.

Clinical

Lungs, paralysis of. Tetanus. Ticklishness.

Characteristics

My first practical acquaintance with Solan. was through seeing the excellent effect of Solan, acet. 2 in solution given by Dr. Hughes to a diabetic and semi-paralytic man of 60, who had frequent threatenings of respiratory paralysis with accumulations of mucus which he was unable to expel. Solan. acet. more than any other remedy rescued him from danger and prolonged his Uf e. From that time I have frequently had occasion to use it in similar conditions. Solan, is obtained from many of the Solanaceae, and especially from Dulcamara, It exists in potatoes, and under certain conditions of germination potatoes may contain a poisonous amount. An accident of the kind occurred to soldiers at Pfuhl who were supplied with potatoes containing about 24 per cent, of Solan. (Med, Press, June 5, 1901). Sixty-six soldiers had marked poisoning symptoms : Shivering, fever, vomiting, syncope, and in one case convulsions. Skin and conjunctivae were tinged yellow. Solan, was proved by Clavus and Schopf and others. Experiments were also made on animals. Slowed and oppressed respiration was a marked feature. Respiration was slowed in inverse proportion to the increase in the pulse rate. There was cerebro-spinal irritation ; hypera&sthesia and convulsions < by touch. Skin more easily tickled than usual. In animals the hind limbs were rigid and paralysed ; and in the provers the lower limbs were weakened.

Relations p. 1205

Compare : Dulc, Bell, S. car., S. nig., S. tub., S. t. aegroto. (Botan). In respiratory paralysis, Dulc, Bell. Sleepy but cannot sleep, Bell. Hyperaesthesia, Nux, Tetanin.

Mind p. 1205

Stupefaction without previous excitement.

Head p. 1205

Vertigo. — Head : hot, heavy, dull, painful. — Pain in occiput — [(In rabbits :) Injection of cerebro-spinal passages, esp. of medulla oblongata ; spasms < by touch ; pendulum-like swinging of head and snapping with the mouth.]

Eyes p. 1205

Pupils slightly contracted.

Mouth p. 1205

Salivation. — The pure alkaloid has a cooling, acid, and salt taste, and when chewed causes a glutinous sensation in pharynx and throat, with scraping which extends to stomach, where it becomes a peculiar sticking pain. — Bitter taste.

Throat p. 1205

Scraping in throat

Stomach p. 1205

Constant eructations. — Nausea, and diarrhoea; and vomiting. — Nausea, violent, ineffectual efforts to vomit — About 5 p.m., vomiting three times without previous nausea, or pain, or any intestinal symptoms.

Abdomen p. 1205

Rumbling in abdomen.

Urinary Organs p. 1205

Albumen in urine.

Respiratory Organs p. 1205

Hoarseness. — Respiration : slow ; superficial; difficult; oppressed; distressed, esp. on inspiration. — [Decreased frequency of respiration in inverse proportion to increase of pulse. — Moist rattle during inspiration. — Frequent violent outcry (from action on medulla oblongata). — Masses of mucus in larger air-passages (post mortem). — Paralysis of respiration. (Rabbits poisoned with S.)]

Chest p. 1205

[Convulsions of muscles of th<Max, with which were soon associated tonic spasms of extremities, at first gentle, gradually increasing, and a short time before death suddenly attaining an enormous heat ; < by touch. (Rabbits.)]

Heart p. 1206

False : increased in rapidity ; weak ; thready. — Pulse and repiration slowed.— [Increased pulse rate; respiration slowed. — Postmortem, rigidity of heart muscle, all its cavities full of dark, cherry-red coagulated blood. (Rabbits.)]

Neck and Back p. 1206

[Cerebro-spinal meningitis. (Rabbits.)]

Lower Limbs p. 1206

Slight tonic spasms of lower limbs.— Weakness of

Lower Limbs p. 1206

[Incapable of moving hinder feet forward. — Hind legs quite stiff, toes stretched out ; then great dejection, retching, and signs of pain. (Rabbits, from the sulphate]

Generalities p. 1206

Weakness. — Sensitiveness to light, noise, and touch. — Convulsions. — Painting.— [Sudden rapidity and convulsive embarrassment of respiration, general convulsions, tetanic spasms, and strong dilatation of pupil. (Dog.)]

Skin p. 1206

-Skin dry. — Hyperaesthesia ; creeping along spine when touching the skin ; more easily tickled than natural. — Itching. — Yellow discoloration of slon.

Sleep p. 1206

Frequent yawning. — Great sleepiness with inability to sleep. — Sleep restless, frequently disturbed by frightful dreams.*-Sleep frequently interrupted without dreams.

Fever p. 1206

Extremities cold. — Shivering, fever, vomiting, and syncope. — Profuse perspiration without weakness.