Assay in man of the chemical fractions of Veratrum Viride, and identification of the pure alkaloids germitrine and germidine as potent hypotensive principles derived from the drug.

Recent clinical (1) and experimental (2) evidence indicated that the crude powdered roots and rhizomes of Veratrum v&de may produce marked reductions of arterial pressure in patients with essential hypertension. However, therapeutic application of the available preparations has been limited by the frequency of their disturbing side effects and the inconsistency of their action (1). The present investigation was undertaken (1) to identify the hypotensive principle or principles of Veratrum viride, (2) to determine whether the hypotensive and toxic factors were separable, and (3) to obtain pure crystalline compounds for clinical use which can be standardized by weight rather than by biological assay.