N. O. LEGUMINOSiE. 
431 
short, curved, swollen peduncles, usually shorter than the 
leaves. Calyx glabrous or very likely silky. Pod l£-l! by ^in. 
wide, flat, oblong, truncate, with a sharp deflected beak, finely 
silky. Seeds 3-5, rather over £in. ovoid, usually bright scarlet, 
with a black patch on top, highly polished as if covered with 
red lac. 
The flowers are sometimes white, when the seeds are of that 
colour, with the black on top; sometimes the seeds are mixed 
black and white (J. G. Bakeh). 
Parts used : — The roots, seeds, and leaves. 
Uses : — The watery extract of the root is useful in relieving 
obstinate coughs (K. L. Dey). 
Formerly, the root was considered to be a perfect substitute 
for liquorice, but experience has shewn this to be erroneous. 
By Sanskrit writers the root is described as emetic and 
useful in poisoning. Internally, the seeds are described as 
poisonous and useful in affections of the nervous system, and, 
externally, in skin diseases, ulcers, affections of the hair, &c. 
The seeds reduced to a paste are recommended to be applied 
locally in sciatica, stiffness of the shoulder joint, paralysis, and 
other nervous diseases. In white leprosy, a paste composed of 
the seed and plumbago root is applied as a stimulant dressing. 
In alopecia a paste of the seed is recommended to be rubbed 
on the bare scalp (U. C. Dutt). 
The seeds are used as a purgative, but in large doses are 
an acrid poison, giving rise to symptoms resembling those of 
cholera. The poisonous property is generally believed to be 
in the red covering of the seed (Surg.-Major Jayakar). 
When boiled with milk the seed is said to have a very 
powerful tonic action on the nervous system (Barren) . 
Taken internally by women, the seed disturbs the uterine 
functions and prevents conception. For the latter purpose, 
4 to 6 seeds are swallowed every day, in 2 doses, for several days, 
after each menstruation. - 
I am aware of one successful case under this treatment 
(Moodeen Sheriff). 
