182 The Philippine Journal of Science 1917 



I honestly believe that it would be a fine remedy for sciatica and gout; 

 those who suffer from these diseases may try without any fear. 



From the above it appears that instead of being a harmless 

 drug lunasine should have very strong properties. Attention 

 is called to the fact that the author does not mention the use 

 which, according to some, the Filipinos made of it to poison 

 arrows. This statement, so often made by the foregoing writers, 

 is perhaps a misinterpretation of Blanco's statement in the 

 original description of the species. A translation of his remarks 

 regarding the use of the wood follows: 



The grain is very fine and close, and the wood is so hard that the 

 Negritos use it instead of iron for the points of their arrows. 



We are almost convinced of this misinterpretation, for not- 

 withstanding our careful investigations we. have not been able 

 to find a Filipino who could corroborate the assertion made by 

 those who have written about Lunasia being used to poison 

 arrows. 



The investigation of medicinal and poisonous plants which the 

 Bureau of Science is carrying on at the present time has no fur- 

 ther available information in regard to the immediate medicinal 

 uses of the species here in question than that obtained from 

 Laguna Province, which translated is as follows : 



The juice of either the dried or fresh seeds, macerated in alcohol or 

 cooked in oil and then concentrated, is generally used against the bite of 

 poisonous animals. 



It is the general opinion among herb doctors that not only 

 the bark, but also the seeds are a good remedy to cure gastralgia 

 in general and certain adynamic conditions of the digestive 

 organ. 



CHEMICAL EXAMINATION OF LUNASIA AMARA 



The bark and leaves were used for analysis. 



From the prepared bark, petroleum ether extracts a small 

 quantity of vegetable wax and traces of alkaloids ; ether extracts 

 contain no traces of alkaloids, but a small quantity of wax, not 

 removed by the petroleum ether, and the chlorophyll existing 

 in the bark. Following the ether, extraction a mixture of equal 

 parts of ethyl and methyl alcohols removes a considerable quan- 

 tity of alkaloidal substance. 



Purification by repeated alternate extractions with water and 

 alcohol leaves the alkaloid in an amorphous condition. The yield 

 is about 0.6 per cent. It is extremely bitter, has a brownish 

 color, and is yellow in alcoholic solution. It is readily soluble 

 in water and takes up water when exposed to the air. It is 



