It is extracted from the root and rhizome of Veratum nigrum L. It contains many steroid alkaloids, such as Mesenchyphine, pseudomesenchyphine, veratrinamine etc.

Veratrine means total alkaloids in the root and rhizome of Veratrum Nigrum.

Vertrine is used as broad spectrum pesticide Insecticide, The veratrine has a good effect to kill aphid, Cabbage worm,plutella xylostella,Phyllotreta striolata Fabricius,Phaedon,Henosepilachna Vigintioctomaculata.

Veratrine, a mixture of steroidal alkaloids (primarily cevadine and veratridine) derived from Veratrum nigrum and related species, and Veratrum nigrum extract have historical and modern applications, though their use is limited by toxicity. The main applications are as follows：

1. Hypertension Management: Historically, veratrine and Veratrum nigrum extract were used to treat hypertension due to their hypotensive effects, which induce bradycardia and vasodilation via the Bezold-Jarisch reflex. However, their narrow therapeutic index and toxicity have led to their replacement by safer antihypertensive drugs.

2. Pharmacological Research Tool: Veratrine, particularly veratridine, is widely used in electrophysiological studies as a neurotoxin that binds to voltage-gated sodium channels, delaying their inactivation. This increases nerve excitability, making it valuable for studying cardiac and neural physiology, including ischemia models.

3. Traditional Chinese Medicine: In Chinese herbalism, Veratrum nigrum (known as "li lu") is used as an emetic and antiparasitic agent. Its dried rhizomes are applied topically to treat scabies, tinea, and itching, or internally in controlled doses for conditions like epilepsy and stroke, despite significant toxicity risks.

4. Insecticide and Pesticide: Veratrine, derived from Veratrum species and Schoenocaulon officinale, has been used as an insecticide (e.g., sabadilla powder) and pesticide, effective against pests like the Colorado potato beetle, due to its neurotoxic properties.

5. Anticancer Research: Alkaloids like cyclopamine in Veratrum nigrum extract show potential in cancer research by inhibiting the Hedgehog signaling pathway, relevant for treating basal cell carcinoma and medulloblastoma, though clinical use is still under investigation.

Due to toxicity risks, including nausea, bradycardia, and neurotoxicity, their applications are now mostly confined to research and traditional practices with strict oversight.