37 i- 



CHAPTER XIV. 



MEDICINAL LECUMINOS>E. 



Many of our colonial plants have acknowledged thera- 

 peutic properties, and are used with success in the treatment 

 of numerous complaints. ' 



It is interesting to know the role played 1)y the Legu- 

 minos^e in this particularly useful class of plants, and we 

 ha\e therefore oiven an account of the views of doctors and 

 writers of reputation, such as Daruty, Bocquillon-Limousin, 

 Corre, Lanessan, &c. 



We will restrict ourselx'es to a mention of their possible 

 applications and of the active principles which they ha\e been 

 found to contain. 



PAPILIONACE/E. 



Abrus precatorius (Climbing Shrub). — This plant has a wide dis- 

 tribution m the Tropics. The roots are sweet and coohng, and are 

 used in the same way as European liquorice ; it is an expectorant. 



According to Bocquillon-Limousin the seed contains a diastase, 

 Jeqitiritiii or Abr'ui^ yellowish-brown in colour, and soluble in water. 

 The chief use of the seed is after maceration, for treating granular 

 conjunctivitis. 



Agati grandiflora (Tree). — The bark has febrifugal and the leaves 

 diuretic properties. It is an external remedy for bruises (Daruty). 

 The juice of the flowers is a popular remedy for coryza, the leaves are 

 bitter, astringent, and laxative; the root, when converted into a paste 

 mixed with water, is used for rheumatism ; the juice of the root mixed 

 with honey forms an expectorant. 



Anagyris foetida (Plant). — This plant contains an alkaloid, 

 Anagyiiu (C^^H^gAz^O^). The alkaloid is extracted from the seeds 

 and prepared in the form of anagyrin chlorhydrate. It is a poison, 

 producing vomiting and a slackening of the respiration. 



An infusion of the leaves acts as a purgative ; the pounded leaves 

 are used externally for treating tumours. The leaves are emetic and 

 emmenagogue ; an infusion of the stem and root is used as a purgative 

 and as an anthelminthic (Bocquillon). 



Aspalathus arborea (Tree). — The leaves are demulcent (Lanessan). 



