Clinical Studies on Veratrum Alkaloids

Abstract

An extensive study of the hypotensive properties of protoveratrine, a pure crystalline ester alkaloid from Veratrum album, has been made in hypertensive and normotensive individuals. This drug is shown to be capable of lowering the blood pressure in hypertension of varied etiologies including essential hypertension, acute or chronic renal disease, malignant hypertension, toxemia of pregnancy, and carcinoma of the adrenal cortex. The relationships between dose and response from single intravenous, continuous intravenous, intramuscular and oral administration have been determined.IT WAS SHOWN in a previous communication' that protoveratrine has a hypotensive and cardiodecelerator effect in human hypertension. Although the alkaloid possesses a narrow therapeutic range it may find some application in the therapy of hypertensive disorders. The practical usefulness of a drug, as a tool in the study of human physiology, or as a therapeutic agent, depends upon accurate knowledge of the relation between dose and response. As a rule, this relation varies with the route of administration. Hence, the studies reported earlier were extended to yield information on the influence of the route of administration upon the effect of protoveratrine on blood pressure and heart rate. METHOD

Biological Activity in Steroids Possessing Nitrogen Atoms

“…Crude and complex mixtures of these alkaloids saw a certain amount of clinical use around the turn of the century, but their toxicity and unpleasant side effects brought them into disfavour. The use of the purified principles saw a resurgence of popularity several years ago with the heightened interest in the problem of hypertension (see for example Meilman and Krayer, 1952;Meilman, 1959;Robson and Keele, 1956), especially as they produce vasodilatation in all peripheral circuits including the brain and kidneys, and are free from the disturbance of the postural reflexes produced by ganglion-blocking agents. Unfortunately these highly desirable physiological properties are more than offset by the narrow margin between the therapeutic and toxic doses and the fact that emesis nearly always occurs with therapeutic doses.…”

Enlarging the Lumen of the Carotid Sinus

“… 13. The thinness of the arterial wall in this region, with a relative decrease in muscle fibers and a relative increase of the elastic fibers, adapts the carotid sinus to its function.…”

Intravenous Protoveratrine in the Prevention and Management of Eclampsia

“…There have, however, been few published reports of its use in recent literature, although Meilman (1953b), Krupp el al. There have, however, been few published reports of its use in recent literature, although Meilman (1953b), Krupp el al.…”

“…It consists of two isomorphously crystallizing alkaloids protoveratrine A and B which vary only in one hydroxy group- Nash and Brooker (1953) and Stoll and Subeck (1953). (19441, Hoobler and Corley (1950a, b), , Meilman and Krayer (1949, 1950 and studied the pharmacological responses and effects of this preparation and Rothlin and Cerletti (1954) reviewed its pharmacology. (19441, Hoobler and Corley (1950a, b), , Meilman and Krayer (1949, 1950 and studied the pharmacological responses and effects of this preparation and Rothlin and Cerletti (1954) reviewed its pharmacology.…”

“…In this hospital, we believe protoveratrine has many advantages and approaches the ideals of management outlined above. There have, however, been few published reports of its use in recent literature, although Meilman (1953b), Krupp el al. (1954Krupp el al.…”