MYRSINEZ. 349 
that the root ‘suo circinato bulbo muliebrem uterum affabre 
demonstrat effigiatum.” 
Chemical composttion.—The activity of the plant depends 
upon a principle similar to, if not identical with, saponin. Sala- 
din (1830) named it cyclamin. It has a bitter acrid taste, 
_ forms a soapy mixture with water, and when boiled with acids 
is converted into glucose and a resinous substance which has 
been named cyclamiretin. Fish poisoned by it die asphyxiated 
through imperfect respiration. (Gmelin. 15, 343; 16, 200.) 
MYRSINEZ. 
EMBELIA RIBES, Burm. 
Fig.—Burm. Fl. Ind., t. 23; Lam. IIl., t. 138. 
? “Hab.—Throughout India. The berries. 
_ Vernacular.—Viranga, Vayvirang, Babirang (Hind. ); Biranga 
' (Beng.), Vavadinga (Mar.), Véyvirang (@Guz.), Vay eee 
(Tam., Tel.), Vayubilaga (Can.). 
History, Uses, &c.—The Sanskrit name is Videstga: it 
has many synonyms, such as Vrisha-nasana, “ destroyer of the 
enemy ” (worm); Suchitra-vija and Chitra-tandula, “ having 
variegated seeds.” Susruta describes the fruit as anthelmin- 
tie, alterative and tonic, and recommends its use along 
With liquorice root for the purpose of strengthening the body 
and ‘preventing the effects of age. In the Nighantas it is 
described as bitter, pungent, hot, astringent, appetizing and 
light; useful for the removal of abdominal pains, worms, wind 
and skin diseases. The berries enter into the composition 
of several applications for ringworm and other skin diseases. 
Under the names of Birang-i-Kabuli and Biranj-i- wens 
tices of the drug will be found in Mahometan works. The 
it to be attenuant and a purgative of ser i 
humoors; : ge a valuable pus helminkiy ; 
ss 
