Hydrastis contains the three alkaloids hydrastine, berberine and canadine. Merck Index, 7th Edn., p. 528. All parts of the surface bear numerous brittle, curved roots sometimes broken to leave yellow root-scars. They also bear upright branches terminated by cup-shaped scars left by the aerial stems. Vessels narrow, pitted and sometimes with reticulate thickening, occur in groups.
Fibres are infrequent, thin walled, lignified and pitted.
Stomachic Oxytocic . Digestive disorders, gastritis, peptic ulcer ation, colitis. Upper respiratory catarrh. Topically - Eczema. Catarrhal deafness and tinnitus.