MALE FERN 399 



the same number of bundles. According to Lauren, the character of 

 the margin of the scales borne by the petiole is distinctive, that of D. 

 Filix-mas bearing hairlike projections, whilst that of D. spinulosa 

 produces glandular secreting cells. The rhizome of D. spinulosa 

 is frequently found mixed with the male fern in German commerce 

 (up to 90 per cent). It is an active vermifuge, and is largely used in 

 Finland. It contains aspidin (polystichin), polystichinin, poly- 

 stichalbin, filicic acid and probably filmarone. The extract prepared 

 from it is said to be twice as active as that from D. Filix-mas. 



SUBTERRANEAN ORGANS IN LESS FREQUENT USE 



Blue Cohosh (Caulophyllum). The rhizome and roots of Caulophyllum 

 thalictroides (Linn.6), Michaux (N.O. Berber idcce), an herbaceous plant of the 

 United States. Horizontal, about 10 cm. long and 6 to 12 m. thick, irregular, 

 somewhat tortuous and branched, greyish brown ; on the upper surface, short 

 knotty branches and cup-shaped depressions ; on the under surface, numerous 

 roots about 10 cm. long and 6 to 10 mm. thick. Section whitish with numerous 

 narrow, woody wedges surrounding a large, starchy pith. Taste sweetish, 

 somewhat acrid. Contains an alkaloid, methylcytisine (C 12 H 16 ON 2 formerly 

 designated caulophylline), similar in action to cytisine, but of only one-tenth 

 the toxicity, two saponins (caulosaponin and caulophyllosaponin), resin, phyto- 

 sterol, and fat (Power and Sal way, 1913). Used as a diuretic, emmenagogue, 

 and vermifuge. 



Leptandra (Culver's Root, Black Root}. The rhizome and roots of Veronica 

 virginica, Linne (Leptandra virginica, Nuttall, N.O. Scrophularinece), a tall 

 perennial herb abundant in eastern and central North America. Rhizome 

 horizontal or oblique, dark greyish -brown, hard and woody, 10 to 15 cm. long 

 and about 5 mm. thick ; terminated by the remains of the aerial stem and 

 bearing such remains at distant intervals ; on the upper surface small, brown 

 cataphyllary leaves. Roots, numerous, wiry. Transverse section of the 

 rhizome exhibits a narrow, dark cortex, a paler ring of wood of about equal 

 thickness and a large dark pith ; sometimes hollow in the centre ; no odour ; 

 taste, unpleasantly bitter and slightly acrid, Contains 3.4-dimethoxycinnamic 

 acid, mannitol, glucose, verosterol, cinnamic and p-methoxycinnamic acids in 

 the form of esters. ' Leptandrin ' is an indefinite mixture obtained by pouring 

 a concentrated tincture with water, washing and drying. Used as a cholagogue. 

 The fresh rhizome is violently cathartic and emetic, but these properties disappear 

 on drying and keeping. 



