N. 0. CUCURBITACEjE. 581 



dried flowers are believed to be stimulant, in doses of 2 to 5 

 grains (Irvine). In Dacca, the root, dried and reduced to 

 powder, is given in doses of 10 grains in enlargements of the 

 spleen, liver and abdominal viscera. The fresh root, mixed 

 with oil, forms a common application for leprous ulcers 

 (Taylor's Topography of Dacca). 



526. t. dioiea, Roxb. h.f.b.i., ii. 609 ; Roxb. 694. 



Sans. :— Pa tola. 



Vern. : — Parvar, palval (H.) ; Patol (B.) ; Kombupudalai 

 Tarn.) ; Kommu-potla (Tel.) ; Patolam (Mai). 



Habitat : — Common throughout the plain of North India, 

 from the Punjab to Assam and East Bengal. 



An annual ; stems twining extensively, more or less woolly 

 and scabrous. Dioecious. Leaves 3 by 2in., cordate, oblong 

 acute, harsh sinuate-dentate, notlobed. Petiole scabrous, woolly, 

 fin. ; tendrils 2-fid. Male peduncles paired, the second-flower- 

 ing, often 2in. ; male flowers not racemed, wolly without ; anthers 

 free. Calyx-tube Ifin., narrow. Fruit 2-3Jin., oblong or 

 nearly spherical, acute, orange-red. Seeds J-Jin., half ellipsoid, 

 compressed, corrugate on the margin. Roxburgh says stamens 

 three, distinct, which has been repeatedly verified in the living 

 plant (C. B. Clarke). 



Use : — In Hindoo medicine, the leaves are described as a good, 

 light and agreeable bitter tonic. The fresh juice of the unripe 

 fruit is often used as a cooling and laxative adjunct to some 

 alterative medicines. In bilious fever, a decoction of patola 

 leaves and coriander in equal parts, is given as a febrifuge and 

 laxative (Dutt). 



An alcoholic extract of the unripe fruit is said to be a power- 

 ful and safe cathartic. According to Dr. K. L. Dey, " the 

 bulbous part of the root is a hydragogue cathartic. The root 

 of this plant acts like elaterium, for which it can be substitut- 

 ed." The old Hindoo physicians placed much confidence in 

 it in the treatment of leprosy. Dr. Bowser, from personal trials, 

 describes it as a febrifuge and tonic, (Ph. Ind.). 



