N. 0. OUCURBITAOEjE. 
501 
compressed, corrugate on the margin, somewhat sculptured 
(Clarke). 
Usee : — The author of the Makhzan describes the fruit as 
tonic and stomachic, and says that it is useful in rheumatism 
and gout, and in diseases of the spleen and liver ; he also 
mentions its anthelmintic properties. In the Concan, £ of the 
seer of the juice of the leaves is given in bilious affections, as 
an emetic and purgative, alone or combined with aromatics ; 
the juice is rubbed in burning of the soles of the feet, and with 
black pepper is rubbed round the orbit, as a cure for night 
blindness (Dymock). 
It is used internally as a laxative, and as an ointment for 
sores. The fruit and leaves are anthelmintic ; useful in piles, 
leprosy, jaundice and as a vermifuge. The root is considered 
astringent and useful in haemorrhoids. The juice of the fresh 
leaves acts as a mild purgative, and is prescribed for children. 
The Uchhya (M. Muricata) in infusion is said to act as a febri- 
fuge (Watt.) 
Used with cinnamon, long pepper, rice and the oil of Hydno- 
carpus Wightiana, as an external application in scabies and 
other cutaneous diseases (Watt). 
The expressed juice with chalk is used in apthce, and also 
an emmenagogue in dysmenorrboea. It is applied externally 
to the scalp in pustular eruptions (Surgeon. -Major Thomson, in 
Watt’s Dictionary). 
Commonly prescribed as an anthelmintic, and as a purgative 
for children (Dr. McGonaghey, in Watt’s Dictionary). 
537 . M. Balsamina, Linn, h.f.b.i., ii., 617 . 
Vern. — Kurelo-jangro (Sind.) ; Molcha (C.P.). 
Habitat . — Panjab ; North-West India ; Sindh. 
Botanically, it resembles M. dioica. Fruit l-3in. long, 
rostrate, orange-red. 
Use . — The fruit is occasionally used in native practice 
(Atkinson). 
The fruit is famous in Syria for curing wounds. It is cut 
open, infused in sweet oil, and exposed to the sun for some 
days, until it becomes red, and then it is preserved for use ; 
