THE BIOLOGIC POTENCY OF CHINESE ERGOT

The biologic potency of the fluid extract of ergot samples collected by the field workers of the Department of Medicinal Plants of our Academy, from Hopei and North-eastern Provinces, was studied with rabbit uterus in situ as well as in vitro. The host plants consist of Secale cereale, Elymus dasystachys, Elymus dahurivus, Calamagrostis epigious and Elymus sibiricus. These samples were compared with a sample of E. Merck ergot fluid extract and one from a British firm. All samples, 6 collected in 1953 and 1955 and 3 collected in 1956, showed definite effect on rabbit uterus. The amplitude of contraction and tonus were remarkably increased in most cases, but the frequency of contraction was not. Gravid and post-parturition uterus responded more regularly than non-gravid uterus. The ergot living on Elymus dahuricus seemed to be more potent than other samples. All were comparable to E. Merck fluid extract, but more potent than the British sample. They were recommended for clinical use.