Acidum
chrysophanicum (Chrys-ac)
Vergleich: Enthalten in: Chrysar; + Rheum + Senna; Rumx; (Chrys-ac wird hergestellt aus Rumx).
Siehe: Acidums allgemein
Schwäche ohne Irritation +
Vergiftung: Übel/erbrechen/Photophobia;
Negativ: Augen sensitiv
vor Licht; Haut (Bläschen/Schuppen/eitrig), Schleimhaut/Auge/Ohr;
Komplementär: Phys + Pilo (= An)
Repertorium:
Auge: Entzündet Bindehaut
Magen: Übel/erbricht
Schlaf: Gestört durch Erbrechen
Haut: Hautausschläge - Herpes/Pityriasis versicolor/Psoriasis/Tinea
[E.W. Beebe]
This drug has well-known uses as an external application in scaly skin
affections, but, so far as I know, has not been used internally in diseases of
the eye until an accidental proving which came under my observation led to its
use, as will be here noted.
We find from the U. S.
Dispensatory that "this substance is extracted from Goa powder, which is
found deposited in the wood of the trunk of the Andria araroba, a native tree
of Brazil. = Bahia-Pulver/= Chrysarobinum/= Goa powder
"The tree is large, often
attaining a height of one hundred feet, the trunk being smooth, with a
spheroidal, not very bushy, head.
"The wood is yellowish, and
has numerous longitudinal canals and interspaces or lacunae, in which the
chrysarobin is found.
"Workmen who procure it
often suffer severely from irritation of the eyes and face.
"When taken internally in
sufficient dose, it is a decided gastro-intestinal irritant, producing large,
very watery stools, of a brownish color and repeated vomiting, without much
nausea.
"It has long been used in
South America and India as a remedy in skin diseases."
In a recently published
homoeopathic pharmacopoeia it is stated that Chrysophanic acid is an extract
from the ordinary commercial rhubarb and I mention this fact that no mistake be
made in using such preparation.
A professional friend while
preparing this drug for external use, applied some of the ointment (one part to
ten of vaseline) to the edges of his eyelids, thinking it might be
a relief to a marginal blepharitis which had annoyed him for some years;
the effects were immediate and of sufficient severity to satisfy him that it
could not be used in such strength in affections of the eyelids.
He was attacked at once with a
severe inflammation of the eyes, characterized by the following symptoms:
Marked conjunctival inflammation of globe and lid, contraction
of the pupils, with intense photophobia, the least ray of light
producing great pain, which was intensified by a throbbing sensation,
synchronous with the action of the heart; this was accompanied by
phosphorescent flashes of light, like that from the application of a galvanic
current.
On forcing the eyes to look at
objects in the darkened room, retinal impressions of them were left or retained
for some time after closing them.
There was swelling of the lids
and irritation of the skin about the eyes.
These symptoms continued for some
days, it being nearly a week before he could bear sufficient light to enable
him to leave his darkened room.
On recovering, he was pleased to
note the marked improvement in the condition of the blepharitis, which
amelioration led him to use the remedy again in a more attenuated form. An
ointment of the strength of one to a hundred was applied, and this application was
followed by the same symptoms as when first used, but in a somewhat modified
form.
This heroic treatment completely cured the diseased eyelids, although
the condition was evidently due to an error of the refraction, he being
astigmatic, and unable to wear correcting lenses with comfort.
This accidental proving led me to experiment with it in the various
forms of blepharitis. In some cases with very gratifying results, while in
others it seemed to cause
an aggravation of the existing conditions.
It seems best adapted to that variety of the disease known as
blepharitis ciliaris, and should not be used in greater strength than one part
of the powder to a thousand of vaseline, for fear of aggravations.
It is not, however, in affections of the lids that I have been most
pleased with its action, or where it promises to be of greatest service.
The array of symptoms brought out by the proving gives us a most
complete picture of retinal asthenopia, or, as Graefe called it, optical
hyperasthesia, a condition difficult
to cure and for which we have but a limited number of remedies.
In its action upon the retina, iris and ciliary body, it is an analogue
of Physostigma
and Pilocarpin,
and should prove of equal value in affections implicating these structures,
when its sphere of action shall have been clearly defined by thorough provings.
It will undoubtedly prove of greater value when administered internally
and used as a collyrium in overtaxed eyes, than as a myotic, as its action is
too violent when used
in sufficient dose to produce its characteristic effect upon the pupil.
I have given it internally in the third decimal trituration in
photophobia attending scrofulous ophthalmia, trachoma, keratitis and iritis,
with seeming good effect, but I believe it more applicable to those cases of
retinal asthenopia which are caused by undue irritation of the ciliary system
from straining the eye, either by an intense or insufficient illumination.
Discussion.
Dr. G.C. McDermott: I thank Dr. Beebe for his suggestion of chrysophanic
acid in optical hyperaesthesia and certain cases of ciliary blepharitis. In the
latter affection,
where we have a scaly condition of the lids, with not much ulcerative
condition, but associated with conjunctival hyperaemia, it will prove a
valuable remedy to help us out.
I can recall several cases where, by giving it internally as well as
locally, we can derive wonderful benefit from it. I am pleased with Dr. Beebe's
paper, and glad to hear that Chrysophanic acid has been added to our list of
remedies.
Dr. A.B. Norton: I have used Chrysophanic acid with success, not only in
blepharitis, but also in conjunctivitis and keratitis of the phlyctenular
variety. I have also used it in cases of eczematous condition behind the ears.
I use it locally as well as internally. I have not found any aggravation from
its local use, and I have employed an ointment of the strength of eight grains
to the ounce.