N. O. RHAMNF./E. 
333 
Part used : — The root-baric. 
Thes : — The powdered root-bark is carminative, stomachic, 
tonic and stimulant; useful in atonic dyspepsia, debility and 
slight cases of fever (Moodeen Sheriff). 
The powdered bark (mixed with gingelly oil) is also said 
to be sometimes used in South India as an external application 
for itch and other skin diseases (Watt). 
Vkntilago Madraspatana. 
On treating this dye-stuff with carbon bisulphide five crystalline sub- 
stances are extracted, together with a wax and a resinous colouring 
matter. 
1. A substance of the formula C 1S H 13 0 5 This crystallises in long, 
orange-red needles, melting at200° ; it sublimes at higher temperatures, 
partially carbonising. Its alkaline solutions have a purple tint, and the 
corresponding salt can be obtained in the form of violet-colored needles 
sparingly soluble in alcohol. There is a great deal of similarity in appear- 
ance, properties, and melting point between eruodin from Rhamnus frangula 
and this substance, They are probably identical. 
2. A substance of the formula C ia H 14 0 4 (A). This forms long, colourless 
needles, which decompose at about 260° before melting ; it is soluble in alka- 
line solutions with a yellowish brown coloration. 
8. A substance of the formula C 16 H 14 0 4 (B). This crystallises in pale 
yellow needles melting at 178°. With acetic anhydride, it yields what is 
probably a triacetyl compound melting at 227-229°, the alcoholic solution of 
which has a strong blue fluorescence. It dissolves in alkalis forming yellow- 
ish brown solutions which on long exposure to air become red, and on treat- 
ment with acid yield a precipitate of omodin methyl ether. 
4. A substance of the formula C 1S H a O a . This is an orange-red, crystalline 
powder, which, when heated, begins to darken at 260°, and melts and carbon- 
ises at 275-280°. It is distinguished from the preceding substances by its 
sparing solubility in most solvents. Solutions of the alkalis dissolve it with 
an orange-red coloration, and it yields an acetyl derivative, 0 15 H 7 0 8 (C 2 H 3 0), 
which crystallises in yellow needles melting and decomposing at 216-220°. 
5. A substance of the formula 0 17 H 12 0 4 . This is a chocolate-colored, 
crystalline powder. When treated with dilute alkali, it dissolves with a yel- 
low coloration, but on exposure to air the solution deposits a blue, amorphous 
precipitate, and it therefore appears to contain in its molecule a reduced 
qninone group. 
6. The max (C, H, 6 O),,. consists of nearly colourless, minute needles, 
melting at 72°, 
