1276 
INDIAN MEDICINAL PLANTS. 
downwards, leaf edge between the prickles concavely indented, 
terminal spine slightly grooved, dull-brown, 1 to 2in. long 
derived from the upper leaf margins which for about three 
inches from the top are involute and horny ; scape with the 
panicle 15 to 25ft. in height, primary branches of the 
inflorescence almost horizontal, fascicles of blossoms crowded 
at the ends of subsidiary ascending branches ; germen faintly 
sulcate, about equalling the perianth or shorter than it, perianth 
lobes ovate-lanceolate, tips obtuse, amber-coloured as are also 
the filaments, pollen orange-yellow, style faintly three-lobed, 
capitate ; capsule bluntly trigonous or oblong-cylidrical, rather 
broader upwarps. — (Agricultural Ledger, 1907. No. 7.) 
Uses : — The roots are diuretic and anti-syphilitic, and are 
said to find their way to Europe mixed with Sarsaparilla. 
(Lindley). 
The expressed juice of the leaves is administered by 
American doctors as a resolvent and alterative, especially in 
syphilis, scrofula and even cancers. 
Diuretic and alterative properties are assigned to its roots 
by the Mexicans. Dr. 7E. Ross reports having employed them 
in this character, in decoction (in the proportion of four ounces 
to one pint of water), in secondary syphilis, with great apparent 
benefit. Dr. R. F. Hutchinson regards this remedy as well 
worthy of further , trials ; he mentions, also, that a thin slice of 
the large fleshy leaves constitutes a good poultice. 
The sap is said to be laxative, diuretic and emenagogue. 
Very useful in scurvy (U. S. Dispens.) Genl. Sheridan is report- 
ed to have used the juice with great success amongst his men 
who were suffering from scurvy, in a small isolated post on the 
Texas border (Year-book of Phar. 1875 ; 232). The large, moist, 
fleshy leaves used with much advantage as poultice ; the fresh 
juice applied to bruises and contusions. The gum found exud- 
ing from the leaves and lower part of the stem is used- in Mexico 
as a cure for tooth-ache. “ The pulp of the leaves placed between 
folds of muslin and applied to the eye in conjunctivitis ; and also 
used mixed with sugar, in gonorrhoea, twice a day. (H. S. P. 
Kinsley, Madras). 
