8308. Sabadilla

Nomenclature

CAS number: 8051-02-3
Cevadilla; caustic barley.

Description and references

The dried ripe seeds of Schoenocaulon officinale (Schlecht. & Cham.) A. Gray (Sabadilla officinarum Brandt, Asagraea officinalis Lindl.), Liliaceae. Habit. The Andes of Mexico, Guatemala, Venezuela. Constit. About 3 to 6% total alkaloids of which cevadine (cryst veratrine) and veratridine (amorphous veratrine) are the most important; other alkaloids are sabadinine, sabadilline, and sabadine; also contains sabadillic and veratric acids; fatty oil, resin. Toxicity data: E. D. Swiss, R. O. Bauer, Proc. Soc. Exp. Biol. Med. 76, 847 (1951).

Properties

LD50 i.p. in mice: 7.5 mg/kg (Swiss, Bauer).

Therapeutic Category

Pediculicide.

Therapeutic Category (Veterinary)

Has been used as an insecticide.