HYDRASTINE

hydrastine, c21h21no6, an alkaloid found with berberine in the root of golden seal, _hydrastis canadensis_, a plant indigenous to north america. it was discovered by durand in 1851, and its chemistry formed the subject of numerous communications by e. schmidt and m. freund (see _ann._, 1892, 271, p. 311) who, aided by p. fritsch (_ann._, 1895, 286, p. 1), established its constitution. it is related to narcotine, which is methoxy hydrastine. the root of golden seal is used in medicine under the name hydrastis rhizome, as a stomachic and nervine stimulant.