Botanical Index No. 797

Pinkroot

spigelia marilandica (l.) l.

Medicinal Actions

Antipyretic, Cardiotonic, Digestive, Paralytic, Narcotic, Sedative, Soporific, Tonic, Toxic

Primary Conditions Treated

Cardiac Poison Tranquilizer Vermifuge Convulsion Cough Endocardosis Fever Fit Hydrocephaly Insomnia Malaria Mania Nervousness Strabismus Stress Worm

General Dosage

Don’t take it. Adults 2–5 g, morning and evening, with strong purgative like senna; 1–2 drachms dry root.

Safety & Contraindications

Class 2d. Not for long-term use. Do not exceed recommended dose. Has been used for poisoning humans, the toxic effects similar to those of strychnine. Effects of spigeline are rather like those of coniine, lobeline, and nicotine. “Even proper doses may lead to disturbed vision, dizziness, muscular spasms, twitching eyelids, dilated pupils, facial spasms, and increased heart activity. In large doses, circulation and respiration are depressed and muscular power diminished; there have been fatalities in children”. Side effects include increased heart action, vertigo, convulsions, and possibly death. Toxic, may paralyze the spinal marrow causing death by asphyxiation.