846 INDIAN MEDICINAL PLANTS. 



stomachic, as, in addition to its tonic property it is also some- 

 what laxative (Ph. Ind.). 



The aerial and subterranean portions of this plant were examined separate- 

 ly ; the former gave 34 per cent, of dry alcoholic extract and 157 per cent, 

 of ash, and the latter 15 5 per cent, of dry alcoholic extract and 10*4 per cent, 

 of ash. The bitter principle from both portions appeared to be identical and 

 to have the characters of a glucoside. It was left as a varnish-like residue 

 from the evaporation of its solution in chloroform, and was also soluble in 

 ether, benzol, alcohol and water. It gave a reddish brown colour with strong 

 sulphuric acid, which changed to a purplish tint after standing. The 

 hydrolysis of the bitter principle with dilute hydrochloric acid resulted in 

 the production of an agreeable aromatic substance, and the deposition of a 

 nocculent light-brown colouring matter. (Pharuiacographia Indica Vol. II 

 P,516.) 



795. Erythrcea Roxburghii, G. Don., h.f.b.l, iv. 



102. 



Syn.: — Chironia centruaioides, Roxb. 196. 



Vern. : — Luntuk kurunai, kadavi-nai (Bomb.) ; Charayatah 

 (II.); Girmi, gima (B.) ; Gada-sigrik (Santal,) ; Jangli-kariatu 

 (Guz). 



Habitat : — Throughout India ; from the Punjab and Bengal 

 to Travancore. Common in Thana (Konkan), on walls. 



An annual herb. Stem 2-12in. high, 4 angled Radical leaves 

 numerous, persistent, obovate or elliptic, 1 by |in. ( usually 

 obtuse. Cauline leaves smaller, narrower. Cymes repeatedly 

 dichotomous, with long pedicelled flower in each fork. Pedicels 

 in the fork usually i to |in. Bracts not prominent. Calyx Jin. 

 Corolla-tube exceeding Jin, lobes very small, Corolla-tube much 

 longer than the Calyx. Lobes rose-coloured. Anthers at length, 

 spirally twisted. Stigma large, 2-lamellate. Capsule narrowly 

 oblong. 



Use : — The whole plant is described as powerfully bitter, 

 and is held in high esteem by the natives (Bengal Dispensa- 

 tory, p. 461). It doubtless might prove a useful tonic (Ph. 

 Ind.). It is used by the Santals in fever. (Revd. A. Campbell.) 

 It it used as a substitute for chiretta, especially in Bengal. 



796. Ganscora diffusa, Br. h.f.b.l, iv. 103, 

 Syn. : — Pladera virgata, Roxb. 134. 



