128 THE MEDICINAL PLANTS OF THE PHILIPPINES 



T. anguina, L. (T. amara, Blanco.) 



Nom. Vulg. — Salagsalag, Pakupis, Salimpolcot, Kukubitan, 

 HalaJiala, Buyokbuyok, Tag. ; Tabobog, Kukubitan, Pukopukot, 

 Kuragda, Vis., Pam. 



T. cucumerina, L. 



Nom. Vulg. — Probably the same as T. anguina. 



Uses. — The fruit of T. anguina is purgative, emetic and 

 anthelmintic. The natives use an infusion of the filamentous, 

 reticulate portion surrounding the seeds, in doses of 0.50-0.60 

 gm., according to P. Blanco. 



The second species, T. cucumerina, has a wider use. In India 

 it is regarded as a febrifuge and laxative and is commonly 

 given with some aromatic. Ainslie notes that the leaves, as well 

 as the fruit, are bitter and purgative and that the Tamuls use 

 them for their laxative and stomachic effect. Drury states that 

 on the Malabar coast the seeds have a considerable reputation 

 as a remedy for functional disorders of the stomach. Although 

 the green fruit is very bitter the natives of that region use it 

 as a condiment. The tender stems and the dry capsules, both 

 bitter and purgative, are given in infusion and in a sweetened 

 solution, as an aid to digestion. The seeds are febrifuge and 

 anthelmintic. The juice of the leaves is emetic and that of 

 the roots purgative. The decoction of the stem is expec- 

 torant. 



In Bombay the plant is considered febrifuge, and is given 

 in decoction with ginger, Swertia, ehirata, and sugar. The 

 Mohammedan authors say that the T. cucumerina is effective in 

 expelling lumbricoids and one of them mentions the following 

 as a cure for stubborn fevers : 



Seeds of T. cucumerina No. 180. 



Seeds of coriander or cumin No. 180. 



Boiling water 200 grams. 



