Family
- Rutaceae
Constituents
- Alkaloids
- Pilocarpine (alkaloid)
- Isopilocarpine
- Essences
- Resinous and pectic substances
- Tannins
- Imidazole nucleus alkaloids or glyoxalines
- Pilocarpidine
- Neopilocarpine
- Pilosine
Parts used
- Leaves
Properties
- Activates the parasympathetic nervous system
- Decreases intraocular pressure
- Stimulation of salivation, perspiration, tear production, peristalsis (movement of the digestive system), gastric and pancreatic glands
Indications
In Internal Use
In external use
Side effects
Internal use may cause vomiting, diarrhea, and heart failure.
It can cause ocular irritation and rarely erythrocyte hemolysis can occur (action antagonized by atropine and belladonna).
Its use in eye drops may cause a decrease in peripheral vision and glare perception.
Contraindications
Should not be administered orally without medical monitoring.
Should not be used by pregnant or nursing women.
Interactions
-
Toxicity
High doses can cause intoxication with colic, breathing difficulty, and decreased heart rate.
Forms of use
- Infusion for internal use
- Macerated
- Decoction for external use
- Powder of the leaves for internal use
- Tincture
- Lotion
- Ointments
- Eye drops