Scientific name

Physostigma venenosum

Family

Leguminosae

Origin

West Africa

Synonyms

Calabar Fava

Used Parts

The drug consists of black seeds

Chemical constituents

• Indole alkaloids with specific action on the parasympathetic nerve endings: eserine or physostigmine, which act as antagonists of atropine.

Fava del calabar: Property of the Fava del calabar

Of the plant in medicine, only the single active ingredients are used, essentially in ophthalmology (as a miotic in glaucoma therapy) and in surgery to stimulate the recovery of intestinal motility.

Contraindications

Avoid use in case of hypersensitivity to one or more components of the calabar broad bean.

Pharmacological Interactions

• receptor interactions with anticholinergics, atropine and atropinosimili, antiparkinsonian, antispasmodic, neuroleptic and phenotiacin drugs.