of powder, and in buttermilk, to the quantity of one pagoda and a quarter weight in the course of the day on an empty stomach. The leaves when carefully dried smell something like tea." (Mat. Ind ., ii., 75.) Irvine states that it is used as a stimulant and laxative in Northern India. In the Concan the juice is used to cure ringworm, and mixed with chloride of ammonium for the cure of dandriff. O'Shaughnessy says that the juice is a violent purgative, and that the fresh plant is, by the Arabs, applied to wounds. In the Dict. Econ. Prod, of India, it is stated, on the authority of the Rev. A. Campbell, that the Santals use the root of this plant, which they call Nanha-pusi-toa, as a remedy for amenorrhœa. (Dymock.)
Chemical composition. — An alcoholic extract of the whole plant was mixed with water acidulated with sulphuric acid, and successively agitated with petroleum ether and ether, and then reagitated with ether from the solution rendered alkaline with sodic carbonate. The petroleum ether extract contained a large amount of colouring matter; it had a very faint bitter taste ; on standing, dark, and what appeared to be crystalline, points separated, but which, on microscopic examination, were destitute of regular structure. Euphorbon was specially sought for, but we arrived at no definite conclusion relative to its presence.
The acid ether extract was of a greenish colour, and partly soluble in water, the solution giving a greenish coloration with ferric chloride, and precipitating gelatine, but giving no reaction with cyanide of potassium.
After washing off by cold alcohol the extractive adhering to the sides o the capsule, and which was insoluble in water, a sulphur-yellow deposit was left, which, on microscopic examination, consisted of very minute needles. This principle was present in only minute traces, and was soluble even in warm alcohol with difficulty ; it gave the reactions of quercitrin.
The aqueous original acid solution, before the addition of sodic carbonate, was of a bright claret colour ; on the addition of the alkali sage-green flocks separated, the addition of acids causing solution, and reproducing the original claret-coloured solution but, after standing, the flocks became insoluble in acids, and only a faintly yellowish-red tint was produced by their addition.
The alkaline ether extract contained an alkaloidal principle which crystallized in fine colourless feathery crystals; it possessed no bitter taste. With Frohde's reagent in the cold a very faint-yellow tint was produced, which was changed to greenish on gently warming. Concentrated nitric acid gave a yellowish tint. Sulphuric acid and potassium bichromate no colour reaction. (Pharmacogr. Ind. III. 251-252,)
1115. E. microphylla Beyne, h.f.b.i., v. 252.
Vern. : — Chhoto-Kernee (B.) ; Dudhia-phul (Santal).
Habitat : — Bengal, Bundelkand and Southern India.
