S7^ ■ MEDICINAL LEGUMINOS^ 



C/ESALPINIE/E. 



Andira inermis (Tree). — The seeds contain a bitter principle which 

 gives them very marked emetic and anthelminthic properties. The 

 bark is vermifugal, but large doses are dangerous; the flavour is 

 bitter (Lanessan). Dr. Schoeer has found an alkaloid, Berberin; and 

 a glucosidc, Andiri)i (Hocciuillon). 



Afzelia bijuga (Tree). — The fruit is acid and laxative, and is in 

 great demand among the natives (Lanessan). 



Bauhinia purpurea (Tree). The root is carminative, the flowers 

 la.\ative. The bark, roots and flowers, when mixed with rice-water, 

 are used in iioulticc form as a maturant (Lanessan). 



Bauhinia reticulata (Tree).— The leaves are employed as an ex- 

 pectorant. The bark, which has a textile value, is astringent and 

 is administered for diarrhoea and chronic dysentery. The leaves 

 exude gum (Lanessan). 



Bauhinia tomentosa (Shrub).- -The dry leaves and buds are anti- 

 dysenteric. A decoction of the root is employed for liver troubles 

 and as an anthelminthic. 



Bauhinia variegata (Tree).— The young rosy-white flowers are 

 laxative and carminative (Lanessan). The leaves are used, after 

 being dried, for pimples, and in the treatment of dysentery. A 

 decoction of the bark of the root is recommended for diseases of 

 the liver. 



Brownea coccinea (Shrub).— The leaves are emollient. The flowers, 

 when used as an infusion, are laxative and cooling (Lanessan). 



Bowdichia major (Tree). — Largely used in Brazil for rheumatism. 



Bowdichia virgilioides (Tree).— This plant yields a bark called 

 ccorcc d'alconnxjiie^ which is in great repute for medicinal purposes 

 in South America. 



Cassia fistula (Tree).— Li the pod of Cassia fistula is found a pulp 

 coatirig all the partitions, the taste of which slightly resembles that 

 of liciuorice. This pulp is laxative. The active principle is cathartic 

 acid. 



Cassia occidentalis (Shrub). — The various portions of this very 

 widely distributed plant are purgative; the roasted seeds are used 

 for malaria. In Reunion it is employed for stomach troubles and 

 asthma. The active principle is a fatty oil (Daruty). The root is 

 tonic and diuretic. The leaves are febrifuge and anti-periodic. In 

 Reunion the poorer classes mix the seeds with coffee. 



Cassia moschata (Shrub). — The pod contains a pulp with purgative 

 properties. 



Cassia Tora (Shrub). — Aperient; anti-hysteritic, detergent, and 

 anti-heqietic (Daruty). 



