KAMALA KAVA-KAVA. 153 



KAMALA. Mallotus PhWppinensis, Muell., Arg. 



N.O. 



Syn. Rottleva tinctoria, Roxb., Kameela, Spoon- 

 wood. 



Part used Capsule glands. 



Action Taenifuge, purgative. Has long been used 

 in India with success. The doses of powder vary from 

 2-3 drachms for adults, repeated if necessary. The 

 worm is usually expelled entire. The fluid extract acts 

 milder and with more certainty. 



Preparations Powdered Kamala : Dose,2-4drachms. 

 Fluid extract : Dose, 2-4 drachms. 



Distinctive character The red glands covering the 

 fruit, obtained by sifting the fruit, form a red mobile 

 powder, which floats in water. The grains, after treat- 

 ment with alcohol or potash solution, to dissolve out 

 the colouring matter, show a radiate structure. The 

 powder often contains a quantity of sand, which can be 

 removed by stirring the Kamala in water, when the 

 latter floats, and can be separated. Tasteless and 

 nearly odourless, but an alcoholic solution poured into 

 water gives off a melon-like odour. 



KAVA-KAVA. Piper methysticum, Forst. 



N.O. Pipcracece. 



Syn. Ava, Ava pepper, Kava. 

 Part used Root. 



Action Tonic, stimulant, diuretic. Has been em- 

 ployed in bronchitis, rheumatism, and gout, and is 

 recommended in gonorrhoea and gleet, augmenting the 

 discharges before a cure, which is effected in the short 



