N. 0. LEGUMINOS.E. 471 



bracts thin, ovate acuminate, caducous, pedicels spreading, 

 -fin. Sepals obtuse, glabrous, i : Jin. Petals fin., yellow, 

 with reddish veins. Pod 4-5 by Jin., rather recurved, glabrous 

 sub- compressed, distinctly torulose. Seeds 15-30. 



Parts used : — The leaves, seeds and roots. 



Uses : — Sanskrit authors regard it as possessing much the 

 same medicinal properties as C. Sophera. Mahomedan writers 

 describe it as alexipharmic useful in the expulsion of corrupt 

 humors and to relieve cough (Dymock). 



In the Ooncan, 2 to 6 gunjas of the seeds are pounded and 

 heated with a tola of woman's or cow's milk, which is strained 

 and given once a day as a cure for the convulsions of children, 

 or 6 masha doses may be given to the mother or wet-nurse. In 

 France and in the West Indies, the seeds are employed as a 

 febrifuge. An infusion of the root is considered by the Amer- 

 ican Indians to be an antidote against various poisons (Dy- 

 mock). The seeds and leaves are used externally in cutaneouL 

 diseases (T. N. Mukerji). 



In the West Indies, the root is considered diuretic and the 

 leaves taken internally and applied externally are given in 

 cases of itch and other cutaneous diseases. The root is said by 

 Martius to be beneficial in obstructions of the stomach and in 

 incipient dropsy (Lindley). Among the country people of 

 Porto Rico, a decoction of the leaves, roots and flowers is highly 

 prized in hysteria. I have tried its effects in some cases and 

 found it relieve the spasm. It is useful for expelling wind 

 accumulated in the intestines of dyspeptic, nervous women. It 

 is also used as a tonic and febrifuge (Dr. Amader in Ph. J., 

 28-4-88). 



The whole plant is purgative. Dose of leaves about 90 

 grains. 



Professor Clonet has analysed the seeds. The following abstract of his 

 views and results taken from the Year-Book of Pharmacy, 1876, p. 179, will be 

 found instructive : — 



"Fatty matters (olein and margarin), 4*9; tannic acid, 0'9; sugar, 21 ; gum, 

 288 ; starch, 2*0 ; cellulose, 340 ; water, 7*0 ; calcium sulphate and phosphate, 

 crysophanic acid, 0*9 ; malic acid, sodium chloride, magnesium sulphate, iron, 

 silica, together, 5*4 ; and achrosine, 13 "58 parts in 100. The latter substance 



