5i. O. MYRSINJE. 743 



Uses : — Sushruta describes the fruit as anthelmintic, altera- 

 tive and tonic, and recommends their use along with liquorice 

 root, for the purpose of strengthening the body and preventing 

 the effects of age. Later writers regard it as carminative, 

 stomachic, anthelmintic, and useful against intestinal worms, 

 dyspepsia, and skin diseases. The berries enter into the com- 

 position of several applications for ringworm and other skin 

 diseases (Dutt). 



The Hakims consider it to be attenuant and a purgative of 

 phlegmatic humors ; also a valuable anthelmintic, especially 

 against tape-worms (Dymock). 



" Vaivarang is common in the neighbourhood of Bombay, 

 and is in high repute as an anthelmintic among the country 

 people, especially in cases of tape-worm. The dose is a tea- 

 spoonful of the powder, twice a day for a child, and a dessert- 

 spoonful for an adult ; it can hardly be called a purgative ; the 

 taste is rather pleasant, slightly astringent, and faintly aromatic. 

 The worm is expelled dead. A purgative should be given to 

 prepare the patient for the drug. It is a common practice to 

 put a few berries of the plant in the milk that is given to 

 young children ; they are supposed to prevent flatulence 

 (Dymock). 



Dr. Warden has separated an acid, named embelic acid, 

 from the seeds. 



This drug would seem to richly deserve being experimented 

 with in Europe. It is an undoubted anthelmintic, quite devoid 

 of the nauseating property possessed by male fern (Watt). 



180 grains (a tola) of the powdered seeds administered at 

 bed time in curdled milk, followed by a dose of castor oil on the 

 following morning, has been found an efficacious remedy in 

 tapeworm (Sakharam Arjun). 



718. E. robusta, Roxb., h.f.b.i., hi. 515 ; Roxb. 

 197. 



Vern. : — Bayabirang (Hind.) ; Kalay bogoti (Nepal); Beb- 

 rang'Oudh) ; Bayabirang ; gaia (Dehra Dun), Kopadalli (Gond.) ; 

 Bharangeli (Kurku) ; Amti, ambat, barbatti (Bom.). 



Habitat : — From the Himalaya, throughout India 



