xii, a. 4 Brill and Wells: Medicinal Plants, II 169 



were always submitted to preliminary extractions for the pur- 

 pose of determining the effect of the solvent. 

 - Petroleum ether was used to remove any plant paraffin, wax, 

 and oil; the extract was tested in the usual way for alkaloidal 

 substances and, when thought necessary, for aromatic resins and 

 essential and fixed oils. The residual dry plant matter was then 

 extracted with ether, and this extract was tested in the usual 

 manner for the presence of alkaloids and other principles ; it was 

 then allowed to evaporate, and the resinous mass was examined. 

 After the extractions with petroleum ether and ether, the plant 

 residue was divided into several portions to be used separately 

 for the determinations of alkaloids, glucosides, saponins, certain 

 oils, albumens, and bitter principles. 



LOPHOPETALUM TOXICUM LOHER (CELASTRACE^}) 



Abuab, batingui, dalinding (T. in Rizal), dayandag (T. in 

 Mindoro), lanitan (V. in Samar), sudcad (V. in Masbate), 

 puti-i-lalaque, puti-i-babae (M. in Lanao), and buyun (M. in 

 Zamboanga) . 8 



Lophopetalum toxicum, of the Celastracea?, is a tree well 

 known among the mountain people of some parts of the Phil- 

 ippine Islands, due to the use they make of its bark to poison their 

 arrows, spears, and other weapons. 



According to the Remontados and Negritos of Rizal Province 

 the poison is easily prepared. The method is as follows: The 

 bark is removed, soaked, and bruised. The expressed juice is 

 then evaporated to the consistency of an emulsion. In its prep- 

 aration care should be taken not to let it come in contact with 

 any sour substance in order not to diminish or neutralize its 

 deadly action. 



As an antidote against its poisonous effects the natives use a 

 plant called tamauyan (Strombosia philippinensis Rolfe), or the 

 fruits of catmon (Dillenia philippinensis Rolfe), or any other 

 sour substance, like vinegar. 



The fact that the properties of the compound are changed by 

 warming with acids is proof of the glucosidal nature of the com- 

 pound. The natives always concentrate the juice, as they believe 

 it is harmless when in the dilute condition. The change taking 

 place in the dilute juice is probably a hydrolysis to a harmless 



s Throughout this paper T. stands for Tagalog; V. for Visayan; II. for 

 Ilocanoj'Sp. for Spanish; F. for Filipino; Pang, for Pangasinan; Pam. 

 for Pampanga; N. for Negrito; M. for Moro; B. for Bicol; and Ifg. for 

 Ifugao. 



