78 MUCUNA PRUKIENS 



legumes, which are somewhat compressed, vary in length from 

 about 2 to 5 inches, averaging about 4 inches, and are commonly 

 about ^ an inch in breadth ; they are slightly curved at each end, 

 and contain from four to six seeds. They have a dark rich-brown 

 colour, and are densely covered with stiff brownish-red hairs, each 

 of which is about .JL. of an inch in length. These hairs, which are 

 readily separated from the legumes, constitute the official Cowhage ; 

 it is also termed Cow-itch. When examined by a magnifying lens, 

 each hair is seen to consist of an acutely pointed conical cell, which 

 is slightly serrated towards its apex. When handled or incau- 

 tiously touched, the hairs penetrate the skin, and produce an 

 intolerable itching. As a general rule they are filled with air, 

 but sometimes they contain a granular matter, of which tannic 

 acid is one of the constituents. 



Medical Properties and Uses. Mucuna is a mechanical anthel- 

 mintic ; that is, the hairs when given medicinally, pierce the bodies 

 of intestinal worms, and by thus causing them to writhe, they 

 become detached from the walls of the intestines. That their action 

 is thus mechanical is proved by the fact, that neither the adminis- 

 tration of the tincture, decoction, or any corresponding preparation 

 of mucuna, is in any degree anthelmintic. Cowhage has little or 

 no effect upon the tape-worm, but has been more especially 

 employed with success for the expulsion of the large round worm 

 (Ascaris lumbricoides) , and to some extent also, for that of the 

 small thread- worm (Oxyuris vermicularis) . The best mode of 

 administering cowhage is in the form of an electuary with treacle, 

 syrup, or honey. The legumes should be dipped in the vehicle, 

 and then scraped until the mass has the consistence of an elec- 

 tuary, or of thick honey ; and of this mixture a table-spoonful may 

 be given to an adult, and a teaspoonful to a child, for three or 

 four successive mornings. This should be followed by a brisk 

 purgative, which will in general bring away the worms. Mucuna 

 is, however, but little used at the present day, although its 

 efficiency is undoubted. It is, moreover, generally a safe remedy, 

 but severe enteritis has sometimes followed its administration. 

 Mucuna has also been used externally in the form of an ointment, 



