A NOTE ON THE ALKALOID IN ECLIPTA ALBA (HASSK)

Dymock and his co-workers (\(Pharmacograthia\) \(Indica\), Vol. II, \(p\). 268) mention that "an alkaloidal principle was detected in \(Eclipta\) \(alba\) which we failed to obtain in a crystalline form. It afforded no special colour reactions. The sulphate Was slightly soluble in ether." The investi­gation of the present workers confirms the existence of an alkaloid in the plant. This alkaloid is volatile with steam and has been identified as nicotine. As no other alkaloid could be detected, it is suggested that ecliptine is identical with nicotine.