1276 INDIAN MEDICINAL PLANTS. 



downwards, leaf edge between the prickles concavely indented, 

 terminal spine slightly grooved, dull-brown, 1 to 2in. long 

 derived from the upper leaf margins which for about three 

 inches from the top are involute and horny ; scape with the 

 panicle 15 to 25ft. in height, primary branches of the 

 inflorescence almost horizontal, fascicles of blossoms crowded 

 at the ends of subsidiary ascending branches ; germen faintly 

 sulcate, about equalling the perianth or shorter than it, perianth 

 lobes ovate-lanceolate, tips obtuse, amber-coloured as are also 

 the filaments, pollen orange-yellow, style faintly three-lobed, 

 capitate ; capsule bluntly trigonous or oblong-cylidrical, rather 

 broader up warps. — (Agricultural Ledger, 1907. No. 7.) 



Uses : — The roots are diuretic and anti-syphilitic, and are 

 said to find their way to Europe mixed with Sarsaparilla. 

 (Lindley). 



The expressed juice of the leaves is administered by 

 American doctors as a resolvent and alterative, especially in 

 syphilis, scrofula and even cancers. 



Diuretic and alterative properties are assigned to its roots 

 by the Mexicans. Dr. M. Ross reports having employed them 

 in this character, in decoction (in the proportion of four ounces 

 to one pint of water), in secondary syphilis, with great apparent 

 benefit. Dr. R. F. Hutchinson regards this remedy as well 

 worthy of further trials ; he mentions, also, that a thin slice of 

 the large fleshy leaves constitutes a good poultice. 



The sap is said to be laxative, diuretic and emenagogue. 

 Very useful in scurvy (U. S. Dispens.) Genl. Sheridan is report- 

 ed to have used the juice with great success amongst his men 

 who were suffering from scurvy, in a small isolated post on the 

 Texas border (Year-book of Phar. 1875 ; 232). The large, moist, 

 fleshy leaves used with much advantage as poultice ; the fresh 

 juice applied to bruises and contusions. The gum found exud- 

 ing from the leaves and lower part of the stem is used in Mexico 

 as a cure for tooth-ache. " The pulp of the leaves placed between 

 folds of muslin and applied to the eye in conjunctivitis ; and also 

 used mixed with sugar, in gonorrhoea, twice a day. (H. S. P. 

 Kinsley, Madras). 



