372 MEDICINAL LEGUMINOS/E 



Baptisia tinctoria (Herb). — The plant contains three principles : 

 baptisi/i, a bitter glucoside; baptin, a purgative glucoside ; ba-ptitoxin^ 

 an extremely poisonous alkaloid. In large doses it is emeto-cathartic ; 

 in moderate doses it is laxative (Bocquillon). This is the leguminous 

 plant known in Mexico and the United States as Wild Indigo. 



Butea frondosa (Tree). — In India the seeds are used as a purgative 

 (Lanessan). They yield an oil used in frictions for the treatment of 

 rheumatism. The crushed leaves are employed for leprosy and 

 diseases of the skin. The juice of the root is used internally for 

 blennorrhagia and externally for ulcers (Bocciuillon). 



Cajanus indicus (Shrub). — Bechic, strongly diuretic, astringent, 

 detergent. Gravel, haemorrhage (Daruty). 



According to observations by my colleague, M. Desruisseaux, the 

 fresh seeds have a marked action on periodical incontinency of urine 

 in man. When fresh seeds are eaten daily the involuntary emission 

 of urine during the night ceases, but recommences when the seeds 

 are no longer taken. The action of the active principles, which, 

 apparently, only exist in the fresh seeds, seems to be transitory. 

 Certain remedies for incontinency of urine contain a substance called 

 Cytisin; this is the alkaloid of a leguminous plant and acts favour- 

 ably on the bladder. 



The dried leaves, when powdered and taken in doses of three 

 spoonfuls a day, often aid in passing small stmies from the bladder. 



Cicer arietinum (Shrub).— The leaves and stems of this plant yield, 

 when pressed, an acid juice. This latter is used for dyspepsia and 

 constipation (Lanessan). 



Clitoria terneata (Liane). — Laxative and diuretic, also used for 

 fever and dropsy (Daruty). The root has diuretic and emetic pro- 

 perties; it is also used in powder form for croup. The variety with 

 white flowers is the most sought after. 



The root has purgative and diuretic properties. In the form of an 

 alcoholic extract it constitutes an extremely violent purgative. In the 

 form of an infusion it acts as an emollient in irritation of the bladder 

 and urethra. The seeds have a purgative action which is both prompt 

 and sure (Bocquillon). 



Crotalaria verrucosa (Shrub).- -The juice of the leaves diminishes 

 salivation. Scabies; impetigo (Daruty). 



Crotalaria juncea (Shrub). — In India the seeds are used as a blood 

 purificant in certain diseases. 



Dalbergia arborea (Tree).— The fresh roots are used for cleansing 



ulcers. 



o 



Derris elliptica (Shrub). — In Borneo and Java the Malayans use the 

 roots for poisoning fish. 



Taken internally in small doses, Derris has considerable narcotic 

 properties. Gresshoff has found in the roots, tannin, Derris red, and 

 a glucoside, Derrin (Bocquillon). 



