XXVI.—CONTRAYERVA. 
Dorstenia brasiliensis, L, 
Dorstenia Contrajerva, L. 
Aristolochia odoratissima, L. 
oop heri. as usually SAd consists of the root-stock and roots 
(scaly rhizomata) of Dorstenia brasiliensis, L., and Dorstenia Contra- 
fro 
West India genda and Venezuela. According to Parkins (Mat. Med., 
Vol. IL, p. 1252), D. brasiliensis yields “the contrayerva root usuall 
“ met with in the shops.” It is described as composed of irregularly 
curved roots of a yellowish brown colour. The taste is warm, bitterish, 
and slightly acrid. 
he name contrayerva is an Indo-Spanish term, originally applied to 
species of Dorstenia, on account of the cou nter-poison oe 
stimulant, and diaphoretic treatment. A full descripti 9 with sito is 
given of 'Dorstenia Contrajerva, L., by Descourtilz in Flore Medicale 
des Antilles, Vol. lII., p. k 207. The only figure we have met 
with of Dorstenia brasiliensis, L., is given by Nees von Esenbeck in 
Plantes Medicinales, Dusseldorf, t 
Contrayerva, as usually in use, therefore refers to the roots of species 
er 
a species of Aristolochia, while roots of Dorstenia are there called 
Spanish Contrayerva. From dried specimens and living plants lately 
In Jamaica, where ‘ates ite is an ortant baai this 
Contrayerva (Aristolochia) is regolacly ù used in i ireatment as a powerful 
anthelmintic. It is evident that it has been so used for paima period. 
Lunan’s Hortus Jamaicensis, Vol. I., p. 2832, we find tha 
“ This [plant] is called Contrayerva i in Jamaica , from its ri efficacy 
Foong T bnt is in no een like the Spanish oroen 
“ The pave aña adds are very bitter, hot; and E ät are 
“ most excellent alexipharmics or counter-poisons, strengthening the 
“ heart, stomach, and brain ; ge eure the bites of serpents, and the 
* poison of Indian arrows. I am of opinion, it exceeds the Spanish 
“ contrayerva, cago in dropsies.” 
Long, in the history of Jamaica, p. 717, mentions that this 
Aristolochia “ abounds everywhere among the woodlands and thickets 
“ on the south and north sides of the island, and ra fe stare toa 
“ considerable manhs among i trees and bushes destroys worms, 
> & for which purpose e root (which has a strong saat) is chopped in 
“ small pieces, and pea by the planters to their horses, mixed with 
