N. O. GKNTIANACR^E. 843 



In long-standing and chronic diarrhoea which resists all 

 treatment, one-half or a full seed, rubbed up into a fine paste 

 with some butter milk and given internally for one week, is 

 effectual (Surgron-Major Thomson, C. I , E., in Watt's 

 Dictionary). 



Regarding its chemical composition, the authors of the 

 Pharmacographia Indica, Vol. K. p. 507 write : — 



We found the seeds as difficult to powder as those of Nux- vomica, and they 

 had to be treated in a similar manner before they could be pulverised. The 

 powdered seeds were boiled with strong alcohol acidulated with sulphuric 

 acid, caustic potash in slight excess added, and then acetic acid to acid reac- 

 tion. The solution was then evaporated to dryness on the water bath. Ben- 

 zole extracted traces of an oily principle when agitated with the acid extract. 

 After separation of the benzole the still acid solution was agitated with ether 

 which extracted resinous matter which became of a deep yellow colour on the 

 addition of alkalies. The aqueous solution was then rendered alkaline with 

 carbonate of soda and agitated first with ether and subsequently with chloro- 

 form. 



In both cases intensely bitter extracts were obtained, the ether extract ex- 

 ceeding that yielded by chloroform. These extracts were purified and afforded 

 all the reactions for alkaloids, the special colour reactions in both instances 

 indicating the presence of brucia and it is interesting to note that the larger 

 amount was found in the ether extract. Portions of these extracts were 

 injected into frogs, but beyond inducing muscular irritability no tetanizing 

 effects were induced. Acetates of the alkaloids were employed for the 

 hypodermic injections. We failed in obtaining any reactions for the presence 

 of strychnia in ether of the extracts. We are not however prepared to 

 state that other alkaloidal principles are not associated with brucia in the 

 seeds. We noted that on the evaporation of the alcoholic tincture of the 

 seeds acidulated with sulphuric acid, a beautiful violet coloration was deve- 

 loped on the sides of the capsule. We also obtained a similar reaction with 

 Nux-vomica seeds. Phosphoric acid, however, failed to afford this coloration, 

 and it was not afforded either by hydrochloric or acetic acids. 



N. 0. GENTIANACEJE. 



791. Exaciun tetragonnm, Roxb. h.f.b.l, iv. 95; 

 Uoxb 133. 



Vern. : — Titakhana (H.j ; Kuchuri (B.) Orka phul (Santa].). 



Habitat : — North India, common, from Kumaon to Central 

 India, Bhotan and the Khasia Mts. 



An annual herb. Stems quadrangular, erect, l-4ft , branch- 

 ing. Leaves opposite, sessile, stem clasping, broadly lanceolate, 



