Page 13 - Pharmacognosy-I (02-06-06-102)

4. Medicinal leaves used as miotic agents:

JABORANDI LEAVES

Jaborandi is the dried leaflets of Pilocarpus microphyllus family
Rutaceae.

Constituents:
Jaborandi contains 0.50-1.00% of alkaloids; pilocarpine and
isopilocarpine and about 0.50% of volatile oil.

Uses:
1. Pilocarpine is used as diaphoretic and miotic.
2. Used in the treatment of glaucoma because it relieves pressure
inside the eye.

Precautions:
-The drug is used today as an industrial agent for the manufacture
of pilocarpine.
-The incorrect administration of pilocarpine eyedrops can lead to
poisoning through leakage into the nose or mouth. Symptoms such
as: bradycardia, bronchial spasms, cardiac arrest, convulsions, drop
in blood pressure, nausea, severe salivation, strong secretion of
sweat and vomiting may occur (individuals with cardiac and
circulatory illnesses are particularly susceptible).
-The treatment for poisonings consists of stomach and intestinal
emptying (gastric lavage), followed by the instillation of activated
charcoal with atropine and the use of diazepam in the case of
spasms.
Pregnancy: Jaborandi should not be used during pregnancy.

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