112 PHARMACAL PLANTS AND THEIR CULTURE. 



sore eyes. The leaves contain gum, resin, tannic acid, arbutin and 

 andromedotoxin (a highly poisonous crystalline substance). Has been 

 used in diarrhea, syphilitic skin eruptions and in skin diseases. En- 

 tire plant highly poisonous. Other species no doubt have similar 

 properties. (G. W. Kennedy, Am. Journ. Pharm. 20: 264.) 



466. Kelps. Seaweeds. Marine algae. 



Numerous species of seaweed are found along the entire Pacific 

 coast. Some are used as food by Indians. They contain iodine, which 

 could no doubt be extracted in commercial quantities. However, Hil- 

 gard (Univ. Calif.) declares that the California species are low in 

 iodine percentage. According to Setchell (Univ. Calif.), the Japa- 

 nese and Chinese of California collect species of Nereocystis, Lami- 

 naria and Porphyra for food, and even export them. Dr. Hus and 

 others have likewise studied the economic value of the kelps of the 

 Pacific coast. 



The marine algae of the Pacific and Atlantic coasts are quite dis- 

 tinct. Those of the Pacific coast are noted for their size. (Proc. A. 

 Ph. A. 27:132-134, 187P.) /Bui. Rhode Island Agr. Exp. Sta. 21: 

 1893.) 



467. Laminaria bulbosa. Seaweed. Algce. 



Used in scrofulous affections and in other glandular enlargements. 

 Used as food. (R. G. Whitlock, Calif. Coll. Pharm. Thesis, 1901.) 



468. Lantana brasiliensis Link. Yerba sagrada. Verbenacece. 



A Brazilian verbena which contains an alkaloid (lantanine) resem- 

 bling quinine, which is said to be actively antiperiodic. 



469. Larrea mexicana Marie. Creosote bush. Zygophyllacece. 

 Contains a gum which resembles the East Indian shellac (Sonora 



gum) used for cementing earthenware, etc. It also contains a coloring 

 substance resembling cochineal. The Mexicans use the leaf infusion 

 as a cure for rheumatism. Said to produce marvelous results when 

 applied to necrosed bones. Also used in the treatment of syphilis ; in 

 consumption. Indians (Kokapah) use the tea in smallpox. A leaf 

 poultice is applied to the pitted skin. Also used as a horse remedy. 

 A very highly valued Indian remedy. Well worthy of more careful 

 investigation. (U. S. Geol. Surv., Wheeler's Rep. Bot. 6: 41.) (Calif. 

 Geol. Surv. Bot. 1: 92.) (U. of C. Agr. Exp. Sta. Rep., 1895-97.) 

 (Proc. A. Ph. A. 26: 206, 1879.) 



470. Laurus nobilis L. Sweet bay laurel. Lauracece. 



A common old-time ornamental tree. The leaf oil is a well-known 

 and important article, used in making bay rum and for other purposes. 

 (U. S. Disp. and texts on Materia Medica.) 



