Chem. [f. BRYONY: see -IN.] ‘The bitter principle of the root of the red-berried bryony (Bryonia dioica).’ Watts.
1836. Penny Cycl., V. 502/2. The Wild Bryony…. Its properties are apparently owing to the presence of a principle called bryonine, analogous to cathartine.
1863. Watts, Dict. Chem., I. 685. Bryonin acts as a drastic purgative.
1880. Syd. Soc. Lex., Bryonin, a glucoside obtained from Bryonia.… It is a white or slightly coloured granular substance, bitter, soluble in water and alcohol, insoluble in ether.
