846 
INDIAN MEDICINAL PLANTS. 
stomachic, as, in addition to its tonic property it is also some- 
what laxative (Ph. Ind.i. 
The aerial and subterranean portions of this plant were examined separate- 
ly ; the former gave 31 per cent, of dry alcoholic extract and 15 7 per cent, 
of ash, and the latter 15 5 per cent, of dry alcoholic extract and 10 4 per cent, 
of ash. The bitter principle from both portions appeared to be identical and 
to have the characters of a glucoside. It was left as a varnish-like residue 
from the evaporation of its solution in chloroform, and was also soluble in 
ether, benzol, alcohol and water. It gave a reddish brown colour with strong 
sulphuric acid, which changed to a purplish tint after standing. The 
hydrolysis of the bitter principle with dilute hydrochloric acid resulted in 
the production of an agreeable aromatic substance, and the deposition of a 
flocculent light-brown colouring matter. (Pharmacographia Indiea Vol. II 
p, 516.1 J 
795 . Erythrcea Roxburghii, G. Don., h.f.b.i., iv. 
102. 
Syn . : — Chironia centruaioides, Roxb. 196. 
V ern. : — Luntuk kurunai, kadavi-nii (Bomb.) ; Charayatah 
(II.); Girmi, gima (B.); Gada-sigrik (Santal,) ; Jangli-karidtu 
(Guz). 
Habitat : — Throughout India ; from the Punjab and Bengal 
to Travancore. Common in Tliana (Konkan), on walls. 
An annual herb. Stem 2-12in. high, 4 angled Radical leaves 
numerous, persistent, obovate or elliptic, 1 by |in., usually 
obtuse. Cauline leaves smaller, narrower. Cymes repeatedly 
dichotomous, with long pedicelled flower in each fork. Pedicels 
in the fork usually £ to |in. Bracts not prominent. Calyx Jin. 
Corolla-tube exceeding £in, lobes very small, Corolla-tube much 
longer than the Calyx. Lobes rose-coloured. Anthers at length, 
spirally twisted. Stigma large, 2-lamellate. Capsule narrowly 
oblong. 
Use : — The whole plant is described as powerfully bitter, 
and is held in high esteem by the natives (Bengal Dispensa- 
tory, p. 461). It doubtless might prove a useful tonic (Ph. 
Ind.). It is used by the Santals in fever. (Revd. A. Campbell.) 
It it used as a substitute for chiretta, especially in Bengal. 
796 . Canscora diffusa, Br. h.f.b.i., iv. 103 . 
Syn. : — Pladera virgata, Roxb. 134. 
