A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

Physostigma venenosum, commonly known as the Calabar Bean, is a plant native to West Africa, historically used in tribal ceremonies and traditional medicine.

It contains the potent alkaloid Eserine (or Physostigmine), which has significant effects on the nervous system, especially in stimulating the heart and muscles, and regulating eye accommodation.

Due to its profound impact on nerve-muscle coordination, it has found an important place in homeopathic Materia Medica.

The remedy is particularly useful for conditions involving muscular paralysis, spasms, and neurological tremors.

PHYSOSTIGMA VENENOSUM

SOURCE INFORMATION

Scientific Classification
  • Kingdom: Plantae
  • Order: Fabales
  • Family: Fabaceae
  • Genus: Physostigma
  • Species: Physostigma venenosum
Origin
  • Physostigma venenosum originates from tropical regions of West Africa, where the seeds, known as Calabar Beans, were historically used in tribal rituals.
  • Known as “ordeal beans,” they were administered to individuals accused of crimes—if the person survived, they were considered innocent.
Historical Facts
  • The active compound, Physostigmine, was first isolated in the mid-19th century by Jobst and Hesse.
  • It became widely used in medicine for eye conditions and nerve-related disorders.
  • In homeopathy, Physostigma was introduced due to its profound effect on the nervous system and has since been used in treating conditions like glaucoma, paralysis, and spasms.

DRUG PATHOGENESIS

  • Physostigma exerts its effects by inhibiting cholinesterase, an enzyme that breaks down acetylcholine—a neurotransmitter critical for muscle contraction and nerve signal transmission.
  • This inhibition results in prolonged nerve stimulation, leading to symptoms like muscle spasms, pupil contraction, tremors, and paralysis.
  • It also impacts the spinal cord by depressing motor and reflex activity.

PHYSICAL CONSTITUTION

  • Individuals requiring Physostigma are often characterized by weak muscular control and experience tremors or paralysis.
  • These patients may feel prostrated and sensitive to spinal irritation.

DIATHESIS

  • It is particularly suited to those with a neurological predisposition, involving disorders of the spinal cord or nerves.
  • These individuals may have a history of paralysis, tremors, or nerve-related diseases.

TEMPERAMENT

  • Typically suited to nervous, anxious individuals who experience a rapid decline in muscle control.
  • There may be signs of emotional instability or restlessness.

KEY CHARACTERISTICS

  • Tremors and Rigidity: Fibrillary tremors and rigidity of muscles, especially in the face and limbs.
  • Eye Symptoms: Night-blindness, myopia (short-sightedness), and twitching of ocular muscles. Used for conditions like glaucoma and spasm of ciliary muscles.
  • Paralysis: Progressive muscular weakness and paralysis, often beginning with loss of reflexes.
  • Heart Symptoms: Weak heart action with palpitations and fluttering, felt throughout the body.
  • Spinal Irritation: Extreme sensitivity along the spine, often with burning sensations.

DETAILED ORGAN SYMPTOMS

HEAD

  • Constant pain at the top of the head, sometimes associated with vertigo and constriction.
  • Pain over the orbits, making it difficult to raise the eyelids.
  • Symptoms are indicative of cerebrospinal conditions, such as meningitis with muscular rigidity.

EYES

  • Contraction of pupils (miosis) and twitching of the eye muscles.
  • Conditions like glaucoma, photophobia (light sensitivity), and spasm of ciliary muscles.
  • Profuse tearing (lachrymation) with progressive short-sightedness (myopia).

NOSE

  • Fluent coryza (runny nose) with burning sensations in the nostrils.
  • Fever blisters around the nose may accompany cold symptoms.

MOUTH AND THROAT

  • Soreness on the tip of the tongue.
  • A sensation of a lump in the throat with palpitations felt in the neck.

STOMACH

  • Pain immediately after eating, with tenderness in the epigastric region.
  • Symptoms may extend to the chest and down the arms.

HEART

  • Feeble and irregular pulse, with noticeable palpitations felt through the entire body.
  • Fluttering sensations felt in the throat, indicating disturbances in heart rhythm.

EXTREMITIES

  • Numbness, especially in the hands and feet, with tingling and burning sensations.
  • Sudden jerking of limbs during sleep, associated with tetanic convulsions.

MODALITIES

Worsening Conditions

  • Symptoms are typically worse at night, upon lying down, or after emotional excitement.

Amelioration

  • Improvement is noticed with warmth and rest, especially in cases of spasms and tremors.

RELATIONSHIP WITH OTHER DRUGS

ESERINE (Alkaloid of Physostigma)

Primary Action: Slows down heart rate and increases arterial tension (blood pressure).

Effect on Eyes

  • Useful in cases of ciliary spasm and spasmodic astigmatism caused by irregular functioning of the ciliary muscles.
  • Blepharo-spasms (involuntary twitching of the eyelids).
  • Contraction of the pupils, particularly useful for eye conditions with blurred vision, eye pain, and eyelid twitching after prolonged eye use.

Local Use

  • Eserine is applied locally to contract the pupil (miosis).
  • It is effective in reversing the dilation caused by Atropine but does not reverse dilation caused by Gelsemium.

Internal Use

  • Typically administered in the 6X potency internally for systemic treatment of these conditions.

ESERIN SALICYLATE

  • Post-operative Use: Used to treat post-operative intestinal paralysis, which is a condition where the bowel stops moving after surgery.
  • Meteorism: Addresses meteorism (abdominal bloating due to gas buildup).
  • Dosage: Administered hypodermically (via injection), typically in doses of 1/60 to 1/40 grain.
Comparisons with Other Remedies

MUSCARIN

  • An alkaloid similar in action to Eserine.
  • Known for its effect on the nervous system, especially in stimulating parasympathetic responses like pupil contraction and increased saliva production.

CONIUM (Hemlock)

  • Used for conditions involving muscle weakness, tremors, and spasms.
  • It is often compared with Physostigma for its effects on the nervous system and muscular paralysis.

CURARE

  • Known for its paralytic effects on muscles, Curare is often compared to Physostigma for its nerve-muscle junction effects.
  • It’s used in cases of muscle spasms and paralysis.

GELSEMIUM (Yellow Jasmine):

  • Gelsemium causes muscle relaxation and is used for muscle weakness, ptosis (drooping eyelids), and dilated pupils.
  • Unlike Physostigma, the dilated pupils caused by Gelsemium are not reversed by Eserine.

THEBAINUM

  • A remedy used for tetanus and muscle spasms.
  • It has a similar action in severe muscle stiffness and contractions.

PIPERAZINUM

  • Primarily used for conditions related to uric acid, such as gout and urinary calculi (kidney stones).
  • Effective in pruritus (itching), constant backache, dry skin, and scanty urine.
  • It also addresses rheumatic arthritis and is given in doses of one grain daily dissolved in carbonated water.
  • The first and second decimal triturations (potency levels) are administered three times daily for ongoing treatment.
Antidote

ATROPIA (Atropine)

  • Acts as an antidote to counteract most of the toxic effects of Physostigmine (Eserine).
  • In medicinal doses, it can relieve symptoms of overdose such as muscle spasms, heart irregularities, and respiratory distress.

DOSAGE

  • The recommended potency for homeopathic use is the third potency (3X or 6X), especially for eye conditions and nerve-related disorders.
  • For external use, Eserine can be applied as an eye drop solution to contract the pupil in cases of mydriasis (dilated pupils).

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is Physostigma used for in homeopathy?

  • Physostigma is used primarily for neurological and muscular disorders, including tremors, paralysis, and spasms.
  • It is also used in eye conditions like glaucoma and ciliary spasms.

What are the side effects of Physostigma?

  • Overdose can lead to excessive muscle contractions, paralysis, and heart issues.
  • It is important to use the correct dosage under professional guidance.

How is Eserine different from Physostigma?

  • Eserine is the alkaloid extracted from the Calabar Bean, while Physostigma refers to the whole remedy.
  • Both have similar actions but are used differently in medical contexts.

Can Physostigma be used for heart conditions?

  • Yes, it can be used for weak heart action, palpitations, and irregular heartbeats, though it is not a primary heart remedy.

Glossary of Difficult Words

  • Peristalsis: Involuntary muscle contractions that move food through the digestive system.
  • Mydriasis: Abnormal dilation of the pupil.
  • Tetanus: A serious bacterial infection causing muscle stiffness and spasms.
  • Coryza: Inflammation of the nasal passages, usually associated with a cold.
  • Epigastric: Referring to the upper central region of the abdomen.