Perennial herb. Habit. North America. Medicinal baptisia, from root of Baptisia tinctoria R. Br., Leguminosae. Constit. Baptin—a purgative glucoside, baptisin—a bitter glucoside, baptitoxine (identical with cytisine), an alkaloid. Also contains a blue dye which has been used as a substitute for indigo.
Anti-infective.