N. 0 GENTIANAORAS. 
843 
In long-standing ajid chronic diarrhoea which resists all 
treatment, one-half or a full seed, rubbed up into a fine paste 
with some butter milk and given internally for one week, is 
effectual (Surgron-Major Thomson, C. I , E., in Watt’s 
Dictionary). 
Regarding its chemical composition, the authors of the 
Pharmacographia Indica, Vol. II. p. 507 write : — 
We found the seeds as difficult to powder as those of Nux- vomica, and they 
had to be treated in a similar manner before they could be pulverised. The 
powdered seeds were boiled with strong alcohol acidulated with sulphuric 
acid, caustic potash in slight excess added, and then acetic acid to acid reac- 
tion. The solution was then evaporated to dryness on the water bath. Ben- 
zole extracted traces of an oily principle when agitated with the acid extract. 
After separation of the benzole the still acid solution was agitated with ether 
which extracted resinous matter which became of a deep yellow colour on the 
addition of alkalies. The aqueous solution was then rendered alkaline with 
carbonate of soda and agitated first with ether and subsequently with chloro- 
form. 
In both cases intensely bitter extracts were obtained, the ether extract ex- 
ceeding that yielded by chloroform. These extracts were purified and afforded 
all the reactions for alkaloids, the special colour reactions in both instances 
indicating the presence of brucia and it is interesting to note that the larger 
amount was found in the ether extract. Portions of these extracts were 
injected into frogs, but beyond inducing muscular irritability no tetanizing 
effects were induced. Acetates of the alkaloids were employed for the 
hypodermic injections. We failed in obtaining any reactions for the presence 
of strychnia in ether of the extracts. We are not however prepared to 
state that other allcaloidal principles are not associated with brucia in the 
seeds. We noted that on the evaporation of the alcoholic tincture of the 
seeds acidulated with sulphuric acid, a beautiful violet coloration was deve- 
loped on the sides of the capsule. We also obtained a similar reaction with 
Nux-vomica seeds. Phosphoric acid, however, failed to afford this coloration, 
and it was not afforded either by hydrochloric or acetic acids. 
N. 0. GENTIANACEvE. 
791 . Exacum tetrcigonum, Roxb. h.f.b.i., iv. 95 ; 
Roxb 133 . 
Vern. : — Titakhana (H.) ; Kfichuri (B.) Orka phul (Santal.). 
Habitat : — North India, common, from Kumaon to Central 
India, Bhotan and the Khasia Mts. 
An annual herb. Stems quadrangular, erect, l-4ft , branch- 
ing. Leaves opposite, sessile, stem clasping, broadly lanceolate, 
