PICROTOXIN  , a neutral principle obtained from the Cocculus indicus, which is the

fruit of the Anamirta paniculata . It is used in medicine externally as an antiparasitic . Internally it has been successfully used to check the night-sweats of phthisis . In large doses it is a powerful poison, causing unconsciousness, delirium, convulsions, gastro-enteritis and stimulation of the respiratory centre followed by paralysis, from which death sometimes results . Formerly low class publicans sometimes added Cocculus indicus berries to beer to increase the intoxicating effects . Its chemical formula is C16H16O6 • H2O .