828- 
in DI AN MEDICINAL PLANTS. 
Uses : — The dried leaves are emetic, diaphoratic and expec- 
torant, useful in over-loaded states of the stomach and other 
cases requiring the use of emetics. It has also been found 
useful in dysentery, catarrh, and other affections in which 
Ipecacuanha has been employed (Pharm. Ind.) Roxburgh, in his 
Flora Indica, gives a long account of the use of this plant as a 
substitute for Ipecacuanha : — 
“ On the coast of Coromandel, the roots of this plant have 
often been used as a substitute for Ipecacuanha. I have often 
prescribed it myself, and always found it answer as well as I 
could expect Ipecacuanha to do. I have also often had very 
favorable reports of its effects from others. It was a very 
useful medicine with our Europeans who were unfortunately 
prisoners with Hydar Ally, during the war of 1780, 1781, 1782, 
and 1783. In a pretty large dose, it-answered as an emetic ; in 
smaller doses, often repeated, as a cathartic, and in both ways, 
very effectually. 
“ I had made and noted down many observations of its 
uses, when in large practice in the General Hospital at Madras 
iu 1770, 1777, and 1778, but lost them, with all my other 
papers, by the storm and inundation at and near Coringa in 
May 1787. I cannot therefore be so full on the virtues of this 
valuable, though much neglected, root, as I could wish. I 
have no doubt but it would answer every purpose of Ipeca- 
cuanha. 
“ The natives also employ it as an emetic ; the bark, of about, 
three or four inches, of the fresh root, they rub upon a stone, 
and mix with a little water for a dose ; it generally purges at 
the same time.” 
Note By Dr. P. Russell. 
“ Dr. Russell was informed by the Physician General at 
Madras (Dr. J. Anderson) that he had many years before known 
it used, both by the European and Native Troops, with great 
success in the dysentry which happened at that time to be 
epidemic in the camp. The store of Ipecacuanha had, it seems, 
been wholly expended, and Dr. Anderson, finding the practice 
