A Biological Method for Determination of Curare and Erythroidine-Alkaloids

Abstract

Summary

A biological method for qualitative and quantitative determination of curare and erythroidine is described. The method depends upon the antagonistic action of these alkaloids on the excitement and tail phenomenon in morphine-poisoned mice. The median effective dose and standard error for crystalline d-tubocurarine chloride is 2.8 ± 0.2 μg; for Strychnos Curare (Merck), 24.0 ± 2.0 μg; for dihydro-β-erythroidine bromide, 44.0 ± 3.0 μg; and for Intocostrin (Squibb), 20.0 ± 2.0 milliunits. Far higher doses of other drugs, including quarternary alkaloids, are necessary to antagonize the effect of small amounts of morphine in mice.