N. 0. AKISTOLOCHIAOEiK. 
1089 
Nothing certain is known of its virtues ; but Dr. Kirkpatrick 
(Gat. of Mysore Drugs, No. 455) considers that its properties 
as a febrifuge are deserving of investigation ; and Dr. Fleming, 
judging from the aromatic bitterness of the root, is of opinion 
that it will be found useful in dyspepsia ( Asiat . Researches, 
vol. xi.). Dr. Gibson regards it as valuable in bowel affections. 
From its sensible properties, and the high esteem in which it is 
held by the natives, it may be worthy of further notice. It is 
as an antidote to snake bites, however, that it has obtained 
most repute, and by the early Portuguese settlers was termed 
Raiz de Cobra, from its supposed efficacy in those cases, even 
in the bite of the Cobra de Capello. The leaves, and the 
expressed juice of tbe leaves, have more recently been brought 
to notice in the same class of cases by Mr. Lowther ( Journ . 
of Agri.-Hort. Soc. of India, 184b, vol. v. pp. 188, 742, and 
vol. vii. p. 42.) (Ph. Ind.). It seems to be, however, more used 
by the native Madras physicians for snake-bite than in the 
Dekkan or Concan where I come from. I am not aware of tbe 
drug being experimented on by any European physicians. It 
is worth a trial on theoretical grounds certainly (K.R.K.). 
In Bombay it is chiefly prescribed in the bowel complaints 
of children ; and in cholera it is regarded as a stimulant tonic, 
and is also applied externally to the abdomen. Babu T. N. 
Mukharji states that the juice of the fresh leaves is very useful 
in the croup of children, by inducing vomiting, without causing 
any depression. 
Dr. S. M. Shircore of Moorshidabad states that it is un- 
doubtedly used to procure abortion. 
“With regard to the antidotal properties ascribed to Aristolochise, Dr. Hance 
remarks that undoubtedly no genus comprising a large number of species, 
widely diffused over both hemispheres, has been so universally credited 
with alexiteric properties as Aristolochia, and this, too, in all ages, and in 
every condition of society, alike by the wandering savage and the polished 
citizen or learned physician of a highly civilized commonwealth.* * * * i 
“ Modern physicians soom with one accord to regard these plants as 
diaphoretics, stimulant tonics, and emmenagogues only; but the array of 
testimony from all quarters of the globe, and extending over a period of 
more than two thousand years, in favour of their alexiteric properties, is so 
overwhelming, that it is in my judgment incredible that these virtues should 
be Imaginary.”— (Ph. J. March 15, 1873, pp. 725-726.) 
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