178 The Philippine Journal of Science 19" 



unable to prove the presence of berberine 28 in the drug, and the 

 latter studied only the volatile oil obtained by the distillation of 

 the leaves. Nadkarni -'■' is of the opinion that the root contains 

 berberine. 



In view of this difference of opinion George Watt, author of 

 the Dictionary of the Economic Products of India, bewails the 

 fact that none of the Hindu chemists has endeavored to find 

 out the composition of the fresh material. 



Some laboratory work has been undertaken by us with the 

 object in view of determining whether the intensely bitter taste 

 of the root of Toddalia asiatica is due to berberine, to some bit- 

 ter principle, or to an alkaloid of an unknown nature. 



Following is the special opinion of Moodeen Sheriff regard- 

 ing the virtues of Toddalia asiatica, as it is given in Watt's 

 dictionary : 



I have been using the root-bark in my practice for the last sixteen or 

 seventeen years, and do not hesitate to say that it is, as an antiperiodic 

 and antipyretic, equal if not superior to quinine and other alkaloids of 

 Cinchona and to Warburg's tincture respectively. As a diaphoretic, it is 

 decidedly superior to Pulv. Jacobi Vera, and as a tonic to Gnetian and 

 Calumba. It is highly useful in effecting a cure in all idiopathic and 

 uncomplicated fevers, whether periodical or continued. It is best used in 

 tincture and decoction and I make these preparations three or four times 

 stronger than those generally in use. This is the chief reason, I think, which 

 has rendered the drug so successful in my hands. The analogy between 

 the medicinal properties of the root-bark of T. aculeata and those of the 

 root of Berberis aristata and a few other species of Berberis is very great 

 and complete, there being no difference whatever. Therefore, everything 

 I have said about the preparations, doses, therapeutic used and the manner 

 of using the tincture and decoction of the latter is quite applicable to those 

 of the former. The drug under consideration, however, has one great 

 advantage over the root of Berberis aristata and other species of Berberis, 

 namely, that it is procurable in every large bazar of Southern India; where- 

 as the roots of the latter plants must be procured from distant places, 

 such as the Nilghiris, Shevaroy Hills, Central and Northern India, etc., 



The following formulas belong to the Pharmacopoeia of India 

 (1868) : 



Tincture of Toddalia (Tinctura Toddalia). Take of the root-bark of 

 Toddalia, bruised, two ounces and a half; Proof Spirit, one pint. Macerate 

 for seven days in a closed vessel, with occasional agitation; strain, press, 

 filter, and add sufficient proof spirit to make one pint. It may also be 

 prepared in the same manner as Tincture of Calumba. 



Dose: From one to two fluid ounces twice or thrice daily. 



28 Op. cit. 



" 9 Nadkarni, K. M., Indian Plants & Drugs with their Medical Properties 

 and Uses. Norton and Co., Madras (1910), 398. 



