Colocynth acts especially upon the ganglionic nervous system, more particularly upon the trigeminus, the solar plexus, the lumbar and femoral nerves, and the tissues which these nerves supply. The condition produced is one of irritation resulting in neuralgia, and at times passing into a true inflammation. This latter is particularly the case in the profound action had upon the alimentary canal through the solar plexus, giving rise to vomiting, purging, and an intense griping colic, which is the most important action of the drug. Through the trigeminus we obtain neuralgic affections of the face, eyes, and head, due entirely to functional derangement of its sentient extremities, and through the lumbar and crural nerves we get sciatica and other neuralgic affections. The chief characteristic of Colocynth is its severe colicky pains, obliging the patient to bend double, and worse in any other position. Characteristic symptoms.