DUBOISIA MYOPOROIDES

SOURCE INFORMATION

• Scientific Name: Duboisia myoporoides
• Common Name: Corkwood Elm
• Kingdom: Plantae
• Family: Solanaceae

Botanical Description

Appearance

• Duboisia myoporoides is a small tree or shrub that can grow up to 10 meters in height.
• It has lance-shaped leaves that are glossy and dark green, with a leathery texture.
• The plant produces small, white, tubular flowers that are fragrant and clustered in terminal cymes.
• The fruit is a small, dark purple to black berry.

Geographic Distribution

• Duboisia myoporoides is native to Australia, particularly in the subtropical regions of Queensland and New South Wales.
• It thrives in well-drained soils and can be found in dry sclerophyll forests, woodlands, and coastal areas.

Chemical Composition

The primary active constituents of Duboisia myoporoides are tropane alkaloids, including:

• Scopolamine (hyoscine): Known for its anticholinergic and sedative properties.
• Atropine: An anticholinergic agent used to dilate pupils and as a muscle relaxant.
• Hyoscyamine: Similar in action to atropine, affecting the parasympathetic nervous system.

Pharmacological Actions

• Anticholinergic Effects: The tropane alkaloids in Duboisia myoporoides inhibit the action of acetylcholine on muscarinic receptors, leading to decreased secretion of saliva and other exocrine glands, relaxation of smooth muscles, and dilation of pupils.
• Sedative and Hypnotic Effects: Scopolamine has pronounced central nervous system depressant effects, making it useful in treating motion sickness and as a pre-anesthetic medication.
• Ophthalmic Use: Atropine and scopolamine are used in ophthalmology to dilate pupils and paralyze the accommodation reflex during eye examinations.

Historical Context

• Indigenous Use: Indigenous Australians have long used Duboisia myoporoides for its medicinal properties. The leaves were traditionally used as a sedative and for their antispasmodic effects.
• 19th Century: The plant was first described scientifically in the mid-19th century by European botanists. It gained attention for its potent alkaloids, which were found to have significant therapeutic effects.
• 20th Century: Duboisia myoporoides became an important source of scopolamine and atropine for the pharmaceutical industry. These alkaloids were used during World War II to treat motion sickness in soldiers and sailors.

Cultivation and Harvesting

• Duboisia myoporoides is cultivated primarily for its alkaloids.
• The plant prefers well-drained soils and can tolerate dry conditions.
• It is propagated from seeds or cuttings and typically harvested when the leaves contain the highest concentration of alkaloids, usually just before flowering.

Homoeopathic Application

• Duboisia myoporoides is primarily used in homeopathy for its action on the nervous system, eyes, and upper respiratory tract.
• It is recommended for conditions like pharyngitis sicca, eye disorders, and respiratory issues.

DRUG PATHOGENESIS

Duboisia myoporoides primarily affects the nervous system, causing symptoms such as vertigo, memory impairment, and drowsiness.

It acts strongly on the eyes, inducing mydriasis (pupil dilation) and affecting accommodation.

It also impacts the respiratory system, causing dryness of the larynx and hoarseness of voice.

KEY CHARACTERISTICS

• Nervous System: Causes vertigo, drowsiness, memory impairment, and absent-mindedness.
• Eyes: Induces mydriasis, affects accommodation, and can cause conjunctivitis.
• Respiratory System: Leads to dryness in the larynx, hoarseness, and dry cough.

DETAILED ORGAN SYMPTOMS

MIND

• Absent-mindedness: Patients exhibit incoherent, silly, and nonsensical behavior with impaired memory.

HEAD

• Vertigo: Sensation of stepping on empty space, tendency to fall backward, especially with eyes shut.

EYES

• Conjunctivitis: Both acute and chronic forms.
• Mydriasis: Marked dilation of pupils, with dim vision.
• Paralysis of Accommodation: Inability of the eye to focus properly.
• Hyperaemia of Retina: Redness and fullness of blood vessels in the retina.
• Visual Disturbances: Red spots floating in the field of vision.

RESPIRATORY SYSTEM

• Dry Larynx: Causes hoarseness and difficulty in phonation (producing sound).
• Dry Cough: Associated with oppressed breathing.

EXTREMITIES

• Loss of Power: Weakness and trembling in limbs, causing staggering.
• Sensation of Stepping on Empty Space: Contributes to the feeling of instability and numbness.

RELATIONSHIP WITH OTHER DRUGS

• Antidotes: Morphia, Pilocarpine.
• Compare with: Belladonna, Stramonium, Hyoscyamus.
• These remedies share similarities in symptoms such as mydriasis, memory impairment, and nervous system effects.

DOSE

• Potency: Typically prescribed in potencies ranging from the third to the twelfth.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Duboisia myoporoides used for in homeopathy?

• Duboisia myoporoides is used for its effects on the nervous system, eyes, and respiratory tract. It treats conditions like pharyngitis sicca, conjunctivitis, and dry cough.

What are the main symptoms treated by Duboisia myoporoides?

• The main symptoms include vertigo, drowsiness, memory impairment, mydriasis, paralysis of accommodation, dry larynx, hoarseness, dry cough, and weakness in the limbs.

How is Duboisia myoporoides administered?

• It is usually administered in potencies ranging from the third to the twelfth, depending on the severity of the symptoms and the individual’s response to the remedy.