Page:Indian Medicinal Plants (Text Part 2).djvu/93

Rh In long-standing and chronic diarrhœa which resists all treatment, one-half or a full seed, rubbed up into a fine paste with some butter milk and given internally for one week, is effectual (Surgron-Major Thomson, C. I, E., in Watt's Dictionary).

Regarding its chemical composition, the authors of the Pharmacographia Indica, Vol. K. p. 507 write : —

We found the seeds as difficult to powder as those of Nux- vomica, and they had to be treated in a similar manner before they could be pulverised. The powdered seeds were boiled with strong alcohol acidulated with sulphuric acid, caustic potash in slight excess added, and then acetic acid to acid reaction. The solution was then evaporated to dryness on the water bath. Benzole extracted traces of an oily principle when agitated with the acid extract. After separation of the benzole the still acid solution was agitated with ether which extracted resinous matter which became of a deep yellow colour on the addition of alkalies. The aqueous solution was then rendered alkaline with carbonate of soda and agitated first with ether and subsequently with chloroform.

In both cases intensely bitter extracts were obtained, the ether extract exceeding that yielded by chloroform. These extracts were purified and afforded all the reactions for alkaloids, the special colour reactions in both instances indicating the presence of brucia and it is interesting to note that the larger amount was found in the ether extract. Portions of these extracts were injected into frogs, but beyond inducing muscular irritability no tetanizing effects were induced. Acetates of the alkaloids were employed for the hypodermic injections. We failed in obtaining any reactions for the presence of strychnia in ether of the extracts. We are not however prepared to state that other alkaloidal principles are not associated with brucia in the seeds. We noted that on the evaporation of the alcoholic tincture of the seeds acidulated with sulphuric acid, a beautiful violet coloration was developed on the sides of the capsule. We also obtained a similar reaction with Nux-vomica seeds. Phosphoric acid, however, failed to afford this coloration, and it was not afforded either by hydrochloric or acetic acids.

}}

Vern. : — Titakhana (H.) ; Kûchuri (B.) Orka phûl (Santal.).

Habitat : — North India, common, from Kumaon to Central India, Bhotan and the Khasia Mts.

An annual herb. Stems quadrangular, erect, l-4ft, branching. Leaves opposite, sessile, stem clasping, broadly lanceolate,