Corkwood Tree

Scientific Name(S): Duboisia myoporoides Family: Solanaceae

Common Name(S): Corkwood tree, pituri

Botany: The plant is found throughout most of Australia and has also been cited in botanical texts from South America.

History: The leaves of the corkwood plant are cured and rolled into a quid. These are chewed by the natives to ward off hunger, pain and tiredness. Because the leaves contain anticholinergic stimulants, it has been reported that Australian aborigines taint waterholes in order to stun and capture animals. The alkaloids derived from the plant are sometimes used as a therapeutic substitute for atrooine and the plant had once been an import source of Australia's scopolamine. The plant has been used in homeopathy to treat eye disorders. The corkwood is used 'or carving.

Medicinal Action and Uses

Sedative, hypnotic and mydriatic (of variable strength), which augments the activity of the respiratory system. Its alkaloid, Sulphate of Duboisia, is sometimes used as a substitute for atropine. The homoeopaths use the tincture and the alkaloid for paralysis and eye affections; a red spot interfering with vision is an indication for its use. It is antidoted by coffee and lemon-juice.

Side Effects of Corkwood Tree

Even small doses may cause CNS disturbances. Large doses may be fatal.

Toxicology: Scopolamine and related alkaloids can be fatal in large doses. This plant demonstrates stimulant and hallucinogenic properties by virtue of the anticholinergic effects of its major constituents.

Summary: The corkwood tree is used as a central nervous system stimulant and hallucinogen by native Australians. There is little medicinal use of the plant, and other sources of scopolamine and atropine have become more commercially viable.