Arecoline
Historical document, translated for reference. It reflects medical knowledge of the 1920s–30s and is not medical advice.
Summary
Arecoline is an alkaloid found in the seeds of the Areca catechu palm, used in medicine as an eye solution to constrict pupils and as an anthelmintic for domestic animals.
Encyclopedia entry (1928–1936)
Arecoline, an alkaloid from the Areca catechu Wild. palm, growing in India, China, and on the island of Ceylon. A. (C8H13NO2) is found in its seeds in the amount of 0.1%. In pure form, A. is an oily liquid without odor, with a boiling point of approx. 220°; it is soluble in water, alcohol, ether, and chloroform; with acids it forms salts, of which Arecoline hydrobromide is most often used in medicine. It is used in the form of eye drops (1/1-1/2-1% solution) as a pupil-constricting agent. A. produces slowing of heart activity, profuse sweating, and increased peristalsis. The seeds of the areca palm are considered a good remedy against worms in domestic animals.
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“Arecoline.” Soviet Medical Encyclopedia. English translation of Bolshaya Meditsinskaya Entsiklopediya, 1st ed. (Moscow, 1928–1936), ed. N. A. Semashko. https://sovietmedicalencyclopedia.pages.dev/article/arecoline/