N. 0. OUOURBITAOEiE. 
593 
In the Concan, the juice of the root is a domestic remedy 
for the inflamation caused by contact with the urine of the 
house-lizard (Pal) (Dymock). 
The powder or infusion of the dried fruits, when introduced 
into the nostrils, produces a powerful errhine effect and provokes 
a copious discharge from the Schneiderian mucous membrane 
(Agra Exhibition). 
The tuberous root of the female plant is used in Belgaum 
as an expectorant, and externally in ague cases as an absorbent. 
The root of the male creeper is used in ulcers, especially those 
caused by snake-bites. The unripe fruit is used as a vegetable 
and given as a delicacy to patients recovering from fever. (Dr. 
Peters, in Watt’s Dictionary). 
539 . M. cochinchinenaia, Spreng., h.f.b.i., II. 618 . 
Sanskrit : — Karkataka. 
Vern. : — Kakrol (H. and B.). 
Habitat : —Bengal to Tenasserim ; Deccan Peninsula ; Canara. 
An annual climber, with simple tendrils, dioecious. Leaves, 
4-5in. diam. ; cordate, ovate, usually 3-lobed, glabrous or a little 
pubescent, often punctate beneath, little dentate ; petiole 2-3in., 
almost invariably glandular at its middle as well as apex. Bract 
near the top of the male peduncle. Male peduncle 2-6in., bract 
often pubescent, embracing the expanded flower. Petals l-2in., 
tinged with yellow, 3 with black spots at the base, 2 with yellow 
glands ; the two 2-anthered filaments not 2-fid. Female pedun- 
cles l-2in., bract small, about the middle. Fruit 4-5in., ovate, 
pointed, muricate, conical points gin. high, bright red, very 
fleshy, without ribs. Seeds £ by f- and gin. thick, many, hori- 
zontal, irregular, ovate, compressed, black, corrugated on the 
margins, sculptured on the faces (0. B. Clarke).. 
Uses : — The seeds, after the shells have been removed, are 
fried and eaten, either alone or with other food (Makhzan). 
They are considered to be good for cough and pains in the 
chest. Powdered, they form one of the ingredients of the hot 
stuff known as jhdl in Bengal, which, mixed with melted 
butter, is given to women immediately after parturition, and 
daily for a few days afterwards. Jhal is believed to act as a 
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