90 THE MEDICINAL PLANTS OF THE PHILIPPINES 



precipitation with alcohol from a watery infusion of the pul- 

 verized seeds. Its action is identical with that of " jequiritin." 



The infusion appears to possess considerable value as a stimu- 

 lating application to indolent ulcers. 



The root is a good substitute for licorice, is emollient and 

 has an agreeable taste. The extract is useful in catarrhal dis- 

 eases of the bronchi and in dysuria. The leaves contain the 

 same properties as the root and an extract prepared from them 

 is used as a substitute for licorice. 



Botanical Description. — A vine, with leaves opposite, ab- 

 ruptly pinnate, a stylet taking the place of the terminal leaflet. 

 Leaflets linear, entire, glabrous, tipped with a small point. Com- 

 mon petiole with 2 awl-shaped stipules at the base. Flowers 

 in small racemes. Calyx gamosepalous, caducous, 4—5 short 

 teeth. Corolla papilionaceous, wings horizontal. Stamens 9, 

 monadelphous with bilocular anthers. Style very short. Stigma 

 globose. Pod 4—5 cm. long, truncate at the ends, with 5-6 

 red seeds, each with a black spot. 



Habitat. — Common in all mountainous regions of the is- 

 lands. Grows near houses and roads. 



Mucuna pruriens, DC. {M. pmrita, Hook.; 31. utUis, Wall.; 

 Dolichos prurieiis, L.; Carpopogon pruriens, Roxb.) 



NoM. VuLG. — Nipay, Lipay, Vis. 



Uses. — The pods are ofiicial as an anthelmintic in the Phar- 

 macopoeia of India. They are used in the form of an electuary 

 triturated to the proper consistency with honey or syrup. The 

 dose for adults is one soupspoonful, and for children a teaspoon- 

 ful, given every morning for 3-4 consecutive days. The last 

 day a purge is given to expel the lumbricoids. 



Botanical Description. — A vine with ternate leaves. 

 Fbwers red, keel larger than the standard and wings. Pods 

 about as thick as the little finger, lacking transverse grooves, 

 curved in the form of the letter f, covered with bright red down. 



