ABSINTHIUM (WORMWOOD) .—Ab sinthium (the A dem isa abs inthi um of Untie) is a fruit-bearing plant growing in the northern latitudes of Europe, Asia, and Africa, and naturalized in North America. It grows in dry ground and is often found along roadsides. The leaves and tops are utilized in pharmacy, and contain a volatile oil and other con stituents,—absinthol, absinthin, etc. The preparations usually employed are an infusion and the powdered leaves.
Dose.—Volatile oil, 1 to 2 minims; in fusion. 1 to 2 drachms; powdered leaves, 20 to 40 grains.
Physiological Action. — Absinthium especially affects the central nervous system, and there is a striking resem blance between its toxic effects and a paroxysm of idiopathic epilepsy,— namely, twitching of the muscles of the face and ears, followed by clonic and tetanic spasms of the muscles of the trunk and extremities, with salivation, cries, involuntary emission of urine, and finally a period of unconsciousness.
A cordial—"absinthe"—is extensively used in France as a supposed stomachic tonic and as an intoxicating agent. It surpasses in perniciousness any beverage known, and contributes markedly to the ' deterioration of that country's popula tion.
Absinthe Poisoning. — As already stated, a poisonous dose of absinthe gives rise to symptoms simulating an attack of epilepsy. In a fatal case there is abolishment of the reflexes, anuria, and finally arrest of respiration and of car diac action.
Autopsy of case in which death had followed the ingestion of one and a half pints of pure absinthe. The liver con tained 0.21 of I per cent. of alcohol. the blood 0.33 of I per cent., and the brain 0.44 of I per cent. The epithelium of the stomach and that of the kidneys were desquamated. The mucous mem brane of the stomach and the renal blood-vessels were very much congested. The stomach presented evidence of hem orrhage in the larger curvature. Symp toms attributed more especially to alco hol, the characteristic effect of absinthe being the production of epileptiform coma. Pauly and Bonne (Gaz. Hebd. de Med. et de Chin, May 13, '97).
Absinthe is not only an epileptogenic poison, but also a stupefying principle, which would add its action to that of alcohol. Lepine (Gaz. Hebd. de Med. et de Chic., May 13, '97).
Treatment of Poisoning. — Lavage of the stomach should at once be resorted to even if the respiration, the cardiac action, and the reflexes are apparently abolished.
Therapeutics. — Absinthium was at one time used as antispasmodic, febri fuge, and anthelmintic. It has been generally discarded, however, and is only considered here owing to its present role as an intoxicant.