Synonym: Jaborandi

Biological source: The drug consists of the Leaves of closely related plants of the genus Pilocarpus

Pilocarpus jaborandi (Pernambuco jaborandi),

P. pennatifolius (Paraguay jaborandi),

P.microphyllus (Maranham jaborandi),

P. trachyl6phus (Ceara jaborandi),

P. selloanus (Rio jaborandi),

Family: Rutaceae

Geographical source: It is indigenous to South.America and especially grown in Brazil.

Macroscopic characters Maranham jaborandi:

Colour: Greyish green to greenish, brown

Odour: Aromatic

Taste: Bitter

Shape: Asymmetrical, obovate and sessile, terminal leaflet is symmetrical and oval in shape

Size: 2 - 6 cm long and 1 - 3 cm wide

• Volatile oil: - Monoterpenes like limonene, α - pinene, sabinene and sesquiterpenes.

• Pilocarpine occurs as viscous oil or hygroscopic crystalline solid without any colour and odour. It is soluble in water and organic solvents, but insoluble in petroleum ether.

• It is the lactonic derivative of pilocarpic acid.

Uses:

• In the form of pilocarpine hydrochloride.

• It is a physiological antagonist of atropine.

• It causes contraction of the pupil of the eye, and increase in sweating and salivation.

• It is used in ophthalmic practice for the treatment of glaucoma.

Chemical Test: Pilocarpine solution + dilute sulphuric acid + hydrogen peroxide + benzene + potassium chromate solution is added=======> organic layer gives bluish-violet colour and yellow colour appears in aqueous layer.