N. 0. CUCURBITACEiE. 591 



compressed, corrugate on the margin, somewhat sculptured 

 (Clarke). 



Uses : — The author of the Makhzan describes the fruit as 

 tonic and stomachic, and says that it is useful in rheumatism 

 and gout, and in diseases of the spleen and liver ; he also 

 mentions its anthelmintic properties. In the Concan, ■§• of the 

 seer of the juice of the leaves is given in bilious affections, as 

 an emetic and purgative, alone or combined with aromatics ; 

 the juice is rubbed in burning of the soles of the feet, and with 

 black pepper is rubbed round the orbit, as a cure for night 

 blindness (Dymock). 



It is used internally as a laxative, and as an ointment for 

 sores. The fruit and leaves are anthelmintic ; useful in piles, 

 leprosy, jaundice and as a vermifuge. The root is considered 

 astringent and useful in haemorrhoids. The juice of the fresh 

 leaves acts as a mild purgative, and is prescribed for children. 

 The Uehhya (M. Muricata) in infusion is said to act as a febri- 

 fuge (Watt.) 



Used with cinnamon, long pepper, rice and the oil of Hydno- 

 carpus Wightiana, as an external application in scabies and 

 other cutaneous diseases (Watt). 



The expressed juice with chalk is used in apthas, and also 

 an emmenagogue in dysmenorrhea. It is applied externally 

 to the scalp in pustular eruptions (Surgeon. -Major Thomson, in 

 Watt's Dictionary). 



Commonly prescribed as an anthelmintic, and as a purgative 

 for children (Dr. McConaghey, in Watt's Dictionary). 



537, M. Balsamina, Linn, h.f.b.l, il, 617. 



Vern. — Kurelo-jangro (Sind.) ; Mokha (C.P.). 



Habitat. — Panjab ; North- West India ; Sindh. 

 Botanically, it resembles M. dioica. Fruit l-3in. long, 

 rostrate, orange-red. 



Use. — The fruit is occasionally used in native practice 

 (Atkinson). 



The fruit is famous in Syria for curing wounds. It is cut 

 open, infused in sweet oil, and exposed to the sun for some 

 days, until it becomes red, and then it is preserved for use ; 



