176 



THE MEDICINAL PLANTS OF THE PHILIPPINES 



Ipomoea Turpethum, R. Br. [Convolvulus Turpethum, L.; 

 C. maximus, Blanco.) 



Nom. Vulg. — Albohol, Sp.; Turpeth Root, Indian Jalap, Eng. 



Uses. — The root, known in the Philippines as " turbita," is 

 a purgative and is a component part of the tincture of jalap, 

 one of the most positive and active of known cathartics. But 

 turpeth root is seldom used alone, for its action is so uncertain 

 that Sir W. O'Shaughnessy pronounced the plant unworthy oi 

 a place in the Pharmacopoeia of India. The dose of the pow- 

 der is 1-4 grams, the resin 40-50 cgms., the decoction of the 

 root 4-12 grams. The active principle is a resin soluble in 

 ether and a glucoside, turpethin, C 34 H 56 16 . 



In the east of India they make offerings of the flowers to the 

 god Shiva, and also put them to more practical use by apply- 

 ing them to the head for neuralgic headache. 



Botanical Description. — A vine with quadrangular 

 stem. Leaves heart-shaped. Flowers axillary, numerous, in 

 umbels. Calyx deeply cleft in 5 imbricated, ovate, fleshy 

 parts. Corolla bell-shaped, folded. Stamens 5, unequal in 

 height. Ovary inserted on an hypogynous disk, with 2 

 biovulate compartments. Style same length as stamens. 

 Stigma bilobulate, globose. Seed vessel square, encircled ty 

 calyx, 2 locules each with 2 seeds. 



Habitat. — Common in Bauang and Pasig. Blooms in 

 November. 



SOLANACEJE. 



Nightshade Family. 



Solanum nigrum, L. 



Nom. YviM.—IIierba mora, Sp.; Konty, Only, Gamagamati- 

 san, Tag.; Lagpakon, Bolagtob, Lubilubi, Vis.; Kuty, Lubilubi, 

 Bic; Black or Common Nightshade, Eng. 



Uses. — In the Philippines the entire plant is boiled an< 

 used for food, with the precaution of pouring off the first 2 oi 



