Section 1 - CHEMICAL PRODUCT AND COMPANY IDENTIFICATION

PRODUCT NAME

HYDRASTININE

NFPA

PRODUCT USE

Oxidation product of an alkaloid (hydrastine) obtained from Hydrastis canadensis L.,
Ranunculaceae. Also obtained from cotarnine and safrole. The hydrochloride has been used
as a cardiotonic and uterine haemostatic.

SYNONYMS

C11-H13-N-O3, C11-H13-N-O3, "5, 6, 7, 8-tetrahydro-6-methyl-1, 3-dioxolo[4, 5-
g]isoquinolin-5-ol", "5, 6, 7, 8-tetrahydro-6-methyl-1, 3-dioxolo[4, 5-g]isoquinolin-5-
ol", "1-hydroxy-6, 7-methylene-dioxy-2-methyl-1, 2, 3, 4-tetrahydroisoquinoline", "1-
hydroxy-6, 7-methylene-dioxy-2-methyl-1, 2, 3, 4-tetrahydroisoquinoline", "hydrastine
oxidation product", "derived from:", "Hydrastis canadensis/ cotarnine/
formylhomopiperonylamine/ safrole/", berberine

Section 2 - HAZARDS IDENTIFICATION

CANADIAN WHMIS SYMBOLS

EMERGENCY OVERVIEW

RISK

POTENTIAL HEALTH EFFECTS

ACUTE HEALTH EFFECTS

SWALLOWED

  Although ingestion is not thought to produce harmful effects, the material may still be damaging to the health of the individual following ingestion, especially where pre-  existing organ (e.g. liver, kidney) damage is evident. Present definitions of harmful or toxic substances are generally based on doses producing mortality (death) rather than those producing morbidity (disease, ill-health). Gastrointestinal tract discomfort may produce nausea and vomiting. In an occupational setting however, ingestion of insignificant quantities is not thought to be cause for concern.  

EYE

  Although the material is not thought to be an irritant, direct contact with the eye may produce transient discomfort characterized by tearing or conjunctival redness (as with windburn).  The dust may produce eye discomfort causing smarting, pain and redness.  

SKIN

  Skin contact with the material may damage the health of the individual; systemic effects may result following absorption.  The material is not thought to be a skin irritant (as classified using animal models). Temporary discomfort, however, may result from prolonged dermal exposures. Good hygiene practice requires that exposure be kept to a minimum and that suitable gloves be used in an occupational setting.  Toxic effects may result from skin absorption.  

INHALED

  Inhalation may produce health damage*.  The material is not thought to produce respiratory irritation (as classified using animal models). Nevertheless inhalation of the material, especially for prolonged periods, may produce respiratory discomfort and occasionally, distress.  Persons with impaired respiratory function, airway diseases and conditions such as emphysema or chronic bronchitis, may incur further disability if excessive concentrations of particulate are inhaled.  

CHRONIC HEALTH EFFECTS

  Principal routes of exposure are by accidental skin and eye contact andinhalation of generated dusts.  Hydrastinine hydrochloride appears to stimulate involuntary muscle.