MEDICINAL LEGUMINOS.E 375 



Indigofera aspalathoides (Shrub). — According to Ainslie, a decoc- 

 tion of the leaves is used as an emollient in leprous and cancerous 

 diseases. The root, when chewed, is supposed to cure toothache 

 (Achart). 



Indigofera oligophylla (Shrub). — A decoction of this plant is used 

 as a g.irgle in cases of mercurial salivation. Marvellous properties are 

 attributed to it by the Hindus, who regard it as an antidote for every 

 poison (Lanessan). 



Indigofera polyphylla (Sluub). — The leaves, when pulverized, are 

 used for inflammation of the liver. They are irritant and purgative ; 

 the root is said to have vermifugal properties (Lanessan). • 



Indigofera tinctoria (Shrub). — Emeto-cathartic, infantile convul- 

 sions; active principle hidigo (Daritty). The pulverized seed is used, 

 applied locally, for ophthalmia, furuncles, and dropsy (Achart). 



Indigofera argentea (Shrub). — Resolvent, venereal diseases; asthma 

 (Daruty). 



Indigofera paucifolia (Shrul:)). — Regarded l^y the Hindus as an anti- 

 dote for all poisons; used as a gargle for mercurial salivation. 



Lonchocarpus latifolius (Tree). — The leaves are irritant, purgative, 

 and emetic. They are thrown into watercourses in order to stupefy 

 fish (Lanessan). 



Lonchocarpus sericeus (Tree). — The bark of this tree, which is very 

 common near the sea, in Gaboon, is used as a laxative in infantile 

 abdominal troubles. Lonchocarfus fortnosianus has similar properties 

 (Lanessan). 



Melilotus officinalis (Herb).— The flowers of Mclilotus officinalis 

 and of several closely related species contain a fragrant principle, 

 coumarin. This is also present in the Tonka bean, which is used for 

 scenting snuff. 



Mucuna pruriens (Liane). — Aphrodisiacal, tonic, diuretic; haemor- 

 rhoids, hemiplegia (Daruty). 



Myroxylon toluiferum (Tree). — This tree, which grows in South 

 America, furnishes the tolu balsam. As it occurs in commerce it is 

 fairly firm, but it softens readily in the hand. It has an odour rather 

 similar to that of vanilla; the taste is sweet and not unpleasant. 



Tolu balsam has a soothing effect on coughs; it is also very useful 

 for pulmonary catarrh, colds on the chest, laryngitis, and bronchitis. 

 Owing to its refined and delicate odour tolu balsam is used in per- 

 fumery. It is solul^le in alcohol, and forms the base of a perfume 

 which enables it to retain its aromatic properties more readily. 



PIscidia Erythrina (Tree). — Hart, in America, and Bruel and Tanret, 

 in France, have isolated an alkaloid from the bark, giving crystalliz- 

 able salts, which they have named Piscidin. According to Hart the 

 formula is C^^lii^^O^. 



