N. 0. 8OLANA0E.E. 
891 
decoction of the leaves of this plant, and also an aqueous extract 
prepared from it, the latter in drachm doses thrice daily, in the 
treatment of dropsical affections. Its action is diuretic and 
laxative. The juice of the leaves is stated by Dr. Shortt to be 
■an excellent remedy in the aphthae of childhood (Ph. Indie.). 
In India the juice of S. nigrum is given in doses of from 6 to 
8 ounces in the treatment of chronic enlargements of the liver, 
and is considered a valuable alterative and diuretic. The juice 
after expression is warmed in an earthen vessel until it loses 
its green colour and becomes reddiph brwn ; when cool it is 
strained and administered in the morning. It is said to act as 
a hydrogogue cathartic and diuretic. Mr. M. Sheriff in his 
Supplement to the Pharmacopoeia of India speaks very favour- 
ably of it when used in this way. In smaller doses (I to 2 ozs.) 
it is a valuable alterative in-chronic skin diseases, such as psor- 
iasis. In the Concan the young shoots are cooked as a vegetable 
and given in these diseases. Dr. D. B. Master of Bombay in- 
forms us that he has seen them used with great success in 
psoriasis. Loureiro states that the herb is anodyne, and should 
be used with caution ; he notices its use externally to allay pain. 
It contains an active principle Solanine which has been 
investigated by Dr. Genenil. It is stated to slow the respiration, 
and to diminish, the sensibility of the bronchial mucous mem- 
brane ; but on the digestive organs it acts as an irritant, 
producing loss of appetite and a tendency to nausea or even 
vomiting. No effect on the pupil has been observed after its 
administration, although the pupils of children poisoned by 
Solanum nigrum has been found dilated. (Med. Chron., p. 135, 
for 1886)— Ph. J. 27th Nov. 1886. 
854. 8. dulcamara, Linn, h.f.b.i., iv. 229. 
Vern . : — Ruba barik (Pb.). Inab-es-sfalib (Indian Bazars). 
Habitat : — Temperate VV. Himalaya, from Kashmir to Gar- 
whal, Sikkim and Choongtam. 
A glabrous or sparingly pubescent shurb, unarmed. Leaves 
3-5in., often cordate — oblong, acute, entire lobed or almost 
