1088 
INDIAN MEDICINAL PLANlS. 
sicians in different parts of India that the plant lias a decided 
action upon the uterus, and increases or induces uterine con- 
tractions. There appears to be no doubt as to its anthelmintic 
properties. (Dymock). 
Ohem. comp.— The plant contains a nauseous volatile substance, an 
alkalofd, and a large quantity of salts. The alkaloid is amorphous and 
gives no colour reactions with the strong mineral acids. The bitter con- 
centrated tincture on standing deposited cubical crystals of potassium 
chloride. The ash calculated on the air-dried plant was 1775 per cent., and 
strong alkaline fumes were givon off from the plant when burning. 
] 077. A. indiea, Linn., h.f.b.i., v. 75 ; Roxb. 622. 
Sans. Rudrajata, Arkamula ; Sunanda ; Ishvari. 
Vern — Isharmul, isharmul-ld-jar (H. and Duk.'; Isarmul (BA, 
Bhedi jane-tet (Santal) ; Sapasand (Bomb, and Mar.) ; Arkmula, 
ruhimula (Cutch and Guj.); Peru-marindu, perum-kizhangu 
(Tam.) ; Ishvara-veru, dQla-govela, govila (Tel.) ; Karalekam, 
karukakpulla, karal-vekam, ishvara-muri (Mai.); Ishveriverfl 
(Kan.) ; Ich-chura-muliver (Tam.). 
Habitat : — Throughout the low country of India, from Nepal 
and lower Bengal to Chittagong ; and the Deccan Peninsula, 
from the Concan southward. 
Shrubby, quite glabrous, twining, prostrate herbs. Stems 
slightly woody at base, branches slender. Leaves very vari- 
able, membranous, linear, ovate, obovate-oblong, or subpan- 
duriform ; base cuneate or rounded ; basal nerves short ; in the 
narrowest form 4 by £-|in, in the broadest 4-5 by 3in., abruptly 
or gradually obtusely acuminate or apiculate, often oblong and 
quite obtuse. Petiole J-|in., very slender. Perianth straight, 
greenish-white ; base globose ; tube shortly funnel-shaped ; mouth 
oblique, trumpet-shaped, gradually passing into short, oblong, 
obtuse, glabrous, purple and brownish lip. Flowers 1-3 ; 
corymbs short, pedunculate. Anthers 6 ; stylar column 6- 
lobed. Capsule l£-2in. long, oblong, grooved. Seeds flat, 
triangular, winged. 
Uses : — The root, which is very bitter, is held in much esteem 
by the natives as a stimulant, tonic, and emmenagogue, and is 
employed by them in intermittent fevers and other affections. 
