176 IMEDIC'INAL AND POISONOUS PLANTS 



however is of remarkable strength. One part of saffron 

 shaken up with 100,000 parts of water gives a distinct yellow 

 tinge. The principal use of the drug is to impart an attractive 

 color and flavor to medicinal preparations. Most of the 



Fig. 168, II. — Saffron Croniti (J'rocu.s ■•salini.-i. Iris I'aiiiily, Iriddcra). Plaut 

 in fiower. Same, cut \a'rticall3', Stjlc and stigmas. (Baillr.ii.) — 

 Perennial herb at^out 1,5-2.5 cm. tall; leaves hairy on the edge: flowers 

 lilac or white, with style-branches l^right red, appearing in autumn: 

 fruit dry. Native home, Asia Minor. 



volatile oils above mention(>(I are u.sed in medicine mainly 

 for their stimulating effect or for imparting a pleasant flavor 

 to other drugs. 



61. Poisonous drugs comprise substances which depend 



