Page:Indian Medicinal Plants (Text Part 2).djvu/141

Rh 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. Indic).

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 wanned in an earthen vessel until it loses its green colour and becomes reddish 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 Pharmacopœia of India speaks very favourably 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 psoriasis. In the Concan the young shoots are cooked as a vegetable and given in these diseases. Dr. D. B. Master of Bombay informs 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 membrane ; 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 Solatium nigrum has been found dilated. (Med. Chron., p. 135, for 1B86)— Ph. J. 27th Nov. 1886.

Vern. : — Ruba barik (Pb.). Inab-es-śalib (Indian Bazars).

Habitat: — Temperate W.Himalaya, from Kashmir to Garwhal, Sikkim and Choongtam.

A glabrous or sparingly pubescent shurb, unarmed. Leaves 3-5im, often cordate — oblong, acute, entire lobed or almost