Caulophyllum. - Synonyms. - Blue Cohosh. Squaw Root. The rhizome and roots of Caulophyllum thalictroides (Linne) Michaux (nat, ord. Berberidaceae).

Habitat

North America, southward to Kentucky, in rich woodlands.

Characters

Rhizome of horizontal growth, about 10 cm. long, and about 6 to 10 mm. thick, bent; on the upper side with broad, concave stem; scars and short, knotty branches; externally grayish-brown, internally whitish, tough and woody. Roots numerous, matted, about 10 cm. long, and 1 mm. thick, rather tough; nearly inodorous; taste sweetish, slightly bitter and somewhat acrid.

Composition

Its chief constituents are - (1) Caulophylline, an alkaloid, which is colorless, odorless and almost tasteless, and crystallizes with difficulty. (2) Saponin, (see p. 448). (3) Resins, 12 per cent. (4) Tannic Acid.

Dose, 5 to 30 gr.; .30 to 2.00 gm.

Action And Uses Of Caulophyllum

Caulophyllum is used to increase the force of uterine contractions; it has been employed as a remedy for deficient labor-pains, and is believed to be useful in dysmenorrhoea.