English

Noun

cathartine

1. A hypothetical substance formerly imagined to cause the bitterness and purgativeness of the dried leaves or pods of senna plants.
   • 1822, “The Edinburgh Philosophical Journal, Volume 7”, in (Please provide the title of the work):

     The sulphate of potash insoluble in this fluid, being separated by the filter; the excess of sulphuric acid was precipitated by acetate of lead; then, by decomposing this latter salt, by sulphuretted hydrogen, and again filtering and evaporating to dryness, the Cathartine, or purgative principle of senna, was obtained.

   • 1850, “The Chemical Gazette, Volume 8”, in (Please provide the title of the work):

     In this state this residue has all the properties ascribed to cathartine; but it is easy to be convinced, from the colour and the avidity with which it attracts moisture, that the substance is not pure.

Anagrams

• anthracite