"MONOPERIGYNER. 253 
ture, being composed principally of mucilage and starch, 
mixed, however, with a little bitter matter. 
-Mepicinat Properties.—The leading character of this 
family, in a medicinal point of view, is the demulcent, dia- 
Phoretic, and diuretic properties of their roots. Various 
Species of Smilax possess these properties, particularly the 
Smilax officinalis, S. aspera, and S. China, S. Purhampuy, 
S. medica, 8. siphilitica. Smilax Sarsaparilla is not now con- ai 
sidered as the plant which yields Sarsaparilla. These are 
inuch used after a course of mercury. The roots of Aspa- 
ragus officinalis and Ruscus aculeatus possess similar proper- 
tes. M. Broussais has proposed Asparagus as a substitute 
for Digitalis or prussic acid, when it is wished to diminish 
the force of the circulation, and lessen the heart’s action, as 
t does not injure the stomach. The roots of Trillium are 
emetic, and the berries are to be avoided. Gumdragon, a 
tic, now little used, is obtained from the’ Dracena Draco; — 
it is the juice of the plant. Se te 
Officinal Plant. 
Smilax officinalis. 
There are no poisonous plants in this family, except per- 
haps Trillium. 
ORDER XXL 
LILIACES. 
Lilia and Asphodeli, Juss.—Includes the 
Mr. Brown, 
FN saa a. ss 
+ 3 
ror et are ee 
yall 
