210 HERBS 



On exposure to the air it resinifies rapidly and becomes less active. 

 A similar change, due possibly to the presence of oxydase enzymes, 

 takes place in the cannabinol in the drug. This rapid deterioration 

 is well recognised in India, and persons addicted to the use of the 

 drug refuse that which is more than a year old. 



In addition to cannabinol and resin, the drug contains the alkaloid 

 choline and traces of volatile oil ; it yields from 10 to 18 (not less than 

 12-5, B.P. 1914) per cent, of alcoholic extract and about 15 per cent, 

 of ash. The activity is not, however, accurately indicated by the 

 amount of alcoholic extract it yields, and the drug cannot be assayed 

 by chemical means. Its activity is usually estimated by the action 

 upon animals. 



To avoid deterioration by oxidation of the cannabinol the drug 

 should be completely dried and kept in hermetically sealed containers. 



Indian hemp may be identified chemically by saponifying a 

 petroleum spirit extract of the drug with alcoholic potash when a 

 persistent purplish violet colour is produced. 



Uses. Indian hemp acts upon the nervous system, producing first 

 excitement accompanied by hallucinations and afterwards lethargy 

 and sleep. It is used as a sedative in mania and hysteria, as well as 

 for spasmodic cough, asthma, neuralgia, &c. 



Varieties. In addition to the guaza above described, the plant, 

 cultivated in Eastern Africa (Zanzibar) and also in France has been 

 imported. Both varieties may be distinguished by their less resinous 

 and matted appearance and by their brighter colour ; they are much 

 less active than the Indian drug. Indian hemp of fair quality (about 

 half as active as the Indian drug) has been grown in the United States 

 under Government supervision and considerable quantities have been 

 imported into this country. It is also cultivated in Greece. 



EUPHORBIA PILULIFERA 



(Herba Euphorbias) 



Source, &C. Euphorbia pilulifera, Linne (N.O. Euphorbiacece), is 

 an annual herb indigenous to the hotter parts of India and occurring 

 in all tropical countries. It has been used in India as a domestic 

 remedy for ringworm, coughs, and other complaints. 



The whole of the aerial part of the plant is collected whilst flowering 

 and fruiting, and dried. It is exported chiefly from India. 



Description. The stem is slender, erect or ascending, 30 to 60 cm. 

 high, cylindrical, and hispidly hairy. The leaves are from 2 to 4 cm. 

 long, opposite, oblong-lanceolate, shortly petiolate and dentate or 

 serrulate. They are dark green in colour, frequently blotched with 



