On the Pharmacology of Petaline Chloride, A Convulsant Alkaloid from Leontice Leontopetalum Linn

Abstract

The alkaloid petaline chloride, obtained from extracts of Leontice leontopetalum Linn. is a more potent convulsant poison than leptazol. At lower dose levels it appears to reduce the convulsant activity of leptazol and apparently gives some protection from electrically induced seizures. Petaline chloride depresses both the patellar tendon reflex and the crossed extension reflex; it also has muscle relaxant activity and increases the rate, force and amplitude of the beat of the isolated auricle depressed in a low calcium medium. These properties are discussed in relation to its use in folk medicine.