# Indian Medicinal Plants/Natural Order Convolvulaceæ

N. 0. CONVOLVUIACEÆ.
830. Erycibe paniculata, Roxb. h.f.b.l, iv. 180 Roxb. 197.
Vern. : — Urumin (Kol) ; Kari (Santal). Ankole, Sengar bally (K).
Habitat : — Throughout India.
A diffuse or subscandent shrub, or an erect tree, 40ft. Bark brown, with large rough corky lenticels. Wood soft, porous, of peculiar structure ; round the central pith radiate in series of wedges of wood tissue ; round these comes a layer of bast tissue ; then a series of separate, round, concentrically arranged masses of wood tissue separated by bast tissue, then more layers of bast and similar masses of wood tissue, gradually getting smaller outwards (Gamble). Branchlets angular. Young shoots and inflorescence densely clothed with rust-coloured tomentum. Leaves 5 by 2in., obovate or obovate-oblong, abruptly acuminate, glabrescent, base attenuate, nerves 5-7 pair, distinct above. Petiole ⅓in. long. Flowers yellowish- white, in elongate narrow terminal panicles, 7 by 1½in. Bracts inconspicuous ; pedicels ⅛-1/6in. Calyx clothed outside with reddish-brown tomentum and more or less stellate-pubescent. Sepals 1/10in. Corolla ⅓-½in., petals crisped, tube broadly funnelshaped ; lobes 5, bifid, hairy on the back below the division, margins plicate. Anthers with a long curved apiculate connective. Berry ½in. diam., when ripe, black, ellipsoid, supported by the rusty-pubescent 5-lobed calyx.
Use: —In Chutia Nagpur, the bark is given for cholera (Revd. A. Campbell).
831. Rivea ornata, Chois, h.f.b.i., iv., p. 183.
Vern— Phând (Mar.)
A large spreading shrub. Stems subherbaceous, hardly ever twinning. Leaves 3-6 in. long, usually broader than long, orbicular or reniform, abtuse, somewhat emarginate and often apiculate at the apex, rather silky beneath, lobes rounded ; petioles ​ shorter than the leaves, with a greenish gland on either side of the apex. Peduncles as long as the petioles, usually 7-flowered, bracts lanceolate. Flowers white, fragrant. Sepals about ¾in long, ovate-lanceolate, acute, thick, silky-hairy outside, persistent. Corolla- txbe 2-3 in. long, limb about 2-2½ in. in diam. Berry oblong, pointed, 1 celled. Seeds usually solitary.
The flowers open at sunset and wither on the following morning. The so called R. ornata of S. India is a separate species. A more correct name for this plant of N. India would be R. Roxburghii, Prain. (See Prain in Nov. Ind. viii, 89. (Duthie).
Habitat. — India, from Assam to Belgaum and Mysore. Frequent in Bengal plain.
Uses. — In the Concan, the juice is made with Borneo camphor and butter into an ointment for pityriasis. For piles, one tolâ of the juice, with half a tolâ of Babul pods, and a little sugar, is given in a quarter seer of cow's milk every morning (Pharma- cographia Indica, Vol. II., p. 541).
832. Argyreia speciosa, Sweet. h.f.b.i., iv. 185.
Syn. :— Lettsomia nervosa, Roxb. 164.
Sans. : — Samudra palaka ; Vriddha-daruka.
Vern. : — Samandar-ká-pat ; Samandar-phen (Hind.); Bich-taraka (Beng.) ; Kaf-darya (Pers.) ; Shamuddi rap-pachchai, (Tam.) ; Samudra shoka (Bomb.) ; Samudra-pála (Tel) ; Samandar-ká-patta (Dec); Samandar-sôf ; Samandar-sokh (H.) ; Guguli (B.) ; Kedok arak (Santal) ; Shamuddirap-pachchai (Tam.) ; Chandra-poda, kokkita, pála-samudra (Tel.) ; Samudra-pach-cha, samudra-zogam, samudra-pala (Mal.).
Habitat : — India, from Assam to Belgaum and Mysore ; frequent in Bengal plains.
A shrub, with a stem climbing, not twining, rather stout, cylindric, fine silky pubescent, with white adpressed hairs. Branchlets stout, white tomentose. Leaves 1½-3in., broadly ovate or reniform, cordate at base, very shortly acuminate, apiculate, glabrous above, more or less densely white, silky ​ beneath (Trimen). 3-5in. diam., often broader than long, glabrous above, and, sometimes at length beneath (C. B. Clarke). Petioles l-2in., densely silky peduncles, mostly 3-fid, ½in. or less. " pedicels articulated to a stiff stout peduncle l-3in long " (Trimen). Bracts oblong acute, fleshy, caducous. Buds pointed silky at tip, sepals ½-¾in., ovate subacute, fleshy, silky pubescent outside. Corolla-tube l½-2in., narrow limb, white silky, without, 2½-3½in. diam., lobes shallow marginate. Ovary glabrous, stigmas blunt. Fruit nearly globose, under lin., apiculate, smooth, shining, pale brown.
Flowers deliciously sweet-scented, first white, becoming pale cream-coloured. A beautiful plant, flowering at night (Trimen).
Uses : — In Hindoo medicine, the root is regarded as alterative, tonic and useful in rheumatic affections and diseases of the nervous system (Dutt).
The leaves are maturative and absorptive, and are used as emollient poultices for wounds, and externally in skin diseases. In synovitis, the powdered root is given with milk. Mixed with vinegar, the sap is rubbed over the body to reduce obesity (Watt).
The natives use the leaves as a local stimulant and rubefacient. According to Dr. Wight, they act as a powerful vesicant (Ph. Ind.). " With regard to the alleged blistering properties of the upper surface of the leaf there must be some mistake, as we find it has no effect when applied to the skin." (Pharmacographia Indica, Vol. II. p. 541).
The roots yielded acid resins of an amber colour, soluble in ether and benzole, and partly soluble in alkalies. The acid ether extract was partly soluble in water with strong acid reaction, and gave with ferric salts a grass-green coloration ; with alkalies a bright yellow. The portion insoluble in water was soluble in alkalies with orange coloration, and afforded with acids a yellowish white precipitate. The original aqueous solution after addiion of an alkali and agitation with ether, failed to afford any alkaloidal reactions when the ethereal extract was tested. This extract did not amount to more than a trace. The original aqueous solution contained a tannin-like principle. (Pharmacographia Indica, II. 542).
833, Ipomœa bona~nox, Linn, h.f.b.i., iv. 197.
Sans. : — Pathemapu-todami. ​ Vern. : — Dudiya-kulmi, Kalmilata ; llâlkalmi (Beng.) ; Gul-chandni'(Bomb.) ; Naga-mûghatei (Tam.); Mundavalli (Mal.)'; Nagara-mûkuttykai (Tel.) ; Somavel, banya bauri, chandra Kânt (H.).
Eng. : — Moon flower.
Habitat :— Cultivated throughout India, native of tropical America.
An extensive climber. Stems smooth or not, rarely muricate. Leaves cordate-ovate, acute, glabrous, entire or angular or lobed, 3-8in. Petiole 3-6in. Peduncles 2-6in. long, 1-5-flowered ; bracts caducous. Flowering sepals ovate, obtuse mucronate, or shortly acute, rarely obtuse ; in fruit unaltered, or enlarged. Corolla pure white, tube 3 by 1/5in., linear, many times longer than the sepals ; limb 3-5in. diam., with white or greenish plaits, never with at all purple. Stamens about as long as the Corolla- tube. Anthers shortly exserted or sub-included. Ovary 2-celled. Capsule one inch, ovoid-oblong, narrowed upwards ; peduncle at length somewhat thickened. Seeds ½in. long, polished, yellow, glabrous.
The flower expands at night, closes to wither about one hour after sunrise.
Uses : — The capsules and seeds, as well as the flowers, leaves and roots are included amongst the medicines supposed to have some merit as remedies against snake-bite (Ainslie).
In Brazil, the seeds of Ipomoea bonanox are largely employed against snake-bits. The seeds have the following composition : Water, 9.00 p. c. ; crystalline resin, 0.50 p. c. ; amorphous bitter substance, 0.015 p. c. ; carbohydrates, 17.28 p. c. ; tannoids, 0.81 p. c. ; fatty oil, 9.35 p. c. ; resin acids, 1.25 p. c. ; proteins, 2.70 p. c, ; organic acids, 0.095 p. c. ; ash, 5.00 p. c.
In the leaves of the plant is found a small quantity of a crystalline glucoside. [Peckolt Chemist and Druggist, 1910, quoted in J. Ch. Ind., Jan. 16, 1911, p. 46].
834. I. muricata, Jacg. h.f.b.l, iv. 197 ; Roxb. 167.
Vern. : — Bârikbhauri (Konkao) ; Gariya (Bomb.).
Habitat: — Himalaya, frequent. from Kangra to Sikkim, Deccan hills; cultivated elsewhere.
A scandent glabrous herb. Stems rough, with smalt tuberculous out-growths. Leaves cordate-ovate, abruptly tapering into ​ a narrow point, acute glabrous, entire, 2-4in. Peduncles 1- 5-fid, somewhat shorter than the petioles. Flowers large, pale-purple, in small stalked clusters, sometimes solitary. Sepals glabrous, broad, abruptly pointed. Flowering sepals elliptic-lanceolate ; in fruit nearly as of I. bona-nox. Corolla funnel-shaped, tube 1-2 by ½in., narrowly cylindric, much longer than the Calyx, hairy within, stamens about as long as the Corolla-tube. Peduncle usually greatly thickened after fruit. Ovary 2-celled. Capsule ½-⅔ in. diam. globose, apiculate. Seeds ⅜in. long, polished, black, glabrous.
Use : — The seeds are used chiefly as a substitute for those of I hederacea. The medicinal properties seem to be the same as those of Kâlâdana, but accurate observations are required. The juice of the plant is used to destroy bugs (Dymock).
835. I. Quamoclit, Linn, h.f.b.i., iv. 199. Roxb. 169.
Sans. :— Kamalata ; Turoolata.
Vern. : — Taru latâ, Lâl or swêta Kàmlatâ lâl or swet taru latâ (B.) ; Vishnukrant (Mar.) ; Kâmlatâ (H.) ; Tsjuriacranti (Mal.) ; Ganesh-vel, Sita che kesh (Bomb.).
Habitat :-~ Native of tropical America, common throughout India, in gardens and as a denizen.
A slender, glabrous twiner. Leaves pinnate, segments distant, linear, 3-5 by 2-3in. Peduncles few-flowered. Sepals elliptic. Corolla crimson or white, middle-sized ; tube narrow, lin. long, mouth ¼in. diam. Anthers exsert. Ovary 4-cel led, ¼in., ovoid, smooth ; dissepiments thin, membranous, persistent. Seeds nearly glabrous, testa black.
Uses : — The Hindus consider it to have cooling properties. The pounded leaves are applied to bleeding piles, while a preparation of the juice with hot ghi is administered internally. In Bombay, the leaves are used as a lep for carbuncles (Dymock.)
836. I. hederacea, Jacq. h.f.b.i., iv. 199.
Syn. :—I Cœrulea, Kœn, Roxb. 168. Convolvulus Nil, Linn.; Pharbitis Nil, Chois. ​ Vern. : — Nil-kulmi (B.) ; The seeds are sold as Kâla dânah ; Mirchai (H. and B.) ; Kodi-kakkatan Virai (Tam.); Banura (U.P.), Bildi, Ker, Kirpâwa, Phaprû-sag, Ishpecha (Pb.) ; Hub-ul-nil (Sind.) ; Kâli-zirki ; Zirki (Dec.) ; Kâlâ dânâ (Guz.); Kolli-vittulu (Tel.) ; Gauribija (Kan.).
Moodeen Sheriff says the Deccan name Kali-zirki should be exclusively applied to the seeds of this plant, but they have also caused great ambiguity by being applied to the seed of Clitora Ternatea, Linn.
Habitat : — India ; both cultivated and apparently wild.
Stem twining, sparsely, retrosely hirsute. Leaves 2-5in. diam., ovate-cordate, 3-lobed ; lobes ovate acuminate, petiole l-4in. Peduncle, 1-5-fid, mostly shorter than the petioles. Pedicels usually ¼in. ; bracts 2, ⅓in., linear, close to the Calyx. Sepals ½-1in., subequal, norrowly linear upwards, very hirsute, or nearly. Corolla-tube narrow. l½-2in., funnel-shaped, rose-coloured, or somewhat orange below. Anthers included, never twisted. Ovary 3-celled, 6-ovuled. Capsule 3-celled ; ⅓in.ovoid, subglobose smooth. Seeds 4-6, glabrous (C. B. Clarke).
Uses. — The author of the Makhzan-ul-Adwiya says that this drug is a drastic purgative, useful in the treatment of bilious and phlegmatic humours, and that it acts also as an anthelmintic. Roxburgh was the first to make these seeds known to European physicians, and it may be said they now hold an important position as a useful and cheap substitute for jalap. They were made officinal in the Pharm. India in 1868, in which will be found directions to prepare the forms in which the drug is now administered, namely : in the form of a tincture, an extract, a compound powder, or a resin, supplying the place of the corresponding preparations of jalap. The resin appears to be the most satisfactory form of administering the medicine, the dose of which is 4 to 8 grains. This substance is known as Pharbitis.
"The powder of the seeds is very useful in Lepra, tuberculosa, &c. The infusion is demulcent" (London Exhibition, 1862).
The seeds yield 8 per cent, of resin, resembling the convolvulin of jalap tubers, and 14 per cent, of fat. The seeds are comparatively rich in albuminous substance, and the presence of a nauseous tasting fat is a disadvantage in a medicine administered internally, and interferes with the separation of the resinous active principle. ​ The authors of the Parmacographia say:— "By exhausting the seeds dried at 100° C. with boiling ether, we obtained a thick light-brownish oil having an acrid taste and concreting below 18° C. The powdered seeds yielded of this oil 14.4 per cent. Water removes from the seeds a considerable amount of mucilage, some albuminous matter, and a little tannic acid. The first is soluble to some extent in dilute spirit of wine, and may be precipitated therefrom by an alcoholic solution of acetate of lead.
"The active principle of Kaladana is a resin, soluble in alcohol, but neither in benzol nor in ether. From the residue of the seeds after exhaustion by ether, treatment with absolute alcohol removed a pale yellowish resin in quantity equivalent to 8.2 per cent, of the seed. Kaladana resin, which has been introduced into medical practice in India under the name of Pharbitisin, has a nauseous acrid taste and an unpleasant odour, especially when heated. It melts at about 160° C. The following liquids dissolve it more or less freely, namely, spirit of wine, absolute alcohol, acetic acid, glacial acetic acid, acetone, acetic ether, methylic and amylic alcohol, and alkaline solutions. It is, on the other hand, insoluble in ether, benzol, chloroform, and sulphide of carbon. "With concentrated sulphuric acid, it forms a brownish yellow solution, quickly assuming a violet hue. This reaction, however, requires, a very small quantity of the powdered resin. If a solution of the resin in ammonia after having been kept a short time is acidulated, no precipitate is formed ; but the solution is now capable of separating protoxide of copper from an alkaline solution of the tartrate, which originally it did not alter. Heated with nitric acid, the resin affords sebacic acid.
" From these reactions of Kaladana resin, we are entitled to infer that it agrees with the resin of jalap or Convolvulin. To prepare it in quantity, it would probably be best to treat the seeds with common acetic acid, and to precipitate it by neutralising the solution. We have ascertained that the resin is not decomposed when digested with glacial acetic acid at 100° C, even for a week.
" We have had the opportunity of examining a sample of Kaladana resin manufactured by Messrs. Rogers and Co., Chemists of Bombay and Poona, which we found to agree with that prepared by ourselves. It is a light yellowish friable mass, resembling purified jalap resin, and, like it, capable of being perfectly decolourised by treatment with animal charcoal." (op. cit., 2nd Ed., p. 449.)
837. I. uniflora, Roem and Sch., h.f.b.l, IV. 201.
Habitat :-— Through t India, from Nepal and Khasia to Ceylon ; not common, more frequent in the Deccan Peninsula.
A glabrescent twining herb with creeping stems. Leases petioled, oblong, obtuse, entire. Peduncles axillary, 1-flowered Outer sepals larger than the inner and decurrent on the pedicel. Corolla white, campanulate, hairy on the bands outside. Ovary ​ 2-celled ; stigmas 2, capitate. Capsule 4-valved. Seeds 4, with a fringe of hair round the margin (Duthie).
Uses : — It is purgative, and the juice is administered in bilious dyspepsia.
838. I. digitata, Linn, h.f.b.i., iv. 202.
Syn. : — Convolvulus paniculatus, Linn. Roxb. 160 ; T. paniculata, Br.
Sans. : — Vidari and Bhumikushmânda.
Vern : — Bilai-kand, bhûmi-kûmra, bhûi-kumra (Beng.) ; Bhui-kohalà (Bom.) ; Bhummichekri-gadde (Kan.) ; Mattapal-tiga (Tel.); Phal-modecca (Mal.).
Habitat :— Tropical India ; common from Bengal and Assam to Ceylon ; not in the drier western portion. Vengrula ; Thana district.
A large, scandent, perennial, glabrous shrub. Leaves 3-7in. diam., often lobed nearly to the base, large palmately 5-7-lobed, peduncle many-fid, longer than the petioles ; lobes lanceolate or elliptic, often spathulate ; petioles 2-5in. ; peduncle often 6in. ; bracts deciduous. Flowers not capitate. Sepals ¼-⅓in. ; wider concave in fruit, elliptic shortly acute, glabrous. Corolla l½-2½in., widely campanulate, glabrous, pink-purple. Anthers never twisted. Ovary completely 4-celled, unless perhaps near the top. Capsule ⅓in., ovoid, completely 4-celled to the apex, 4-valved, the long wool from the seeds exsert from the fissure. Wool hairs, ¼in. long.
Uses : — The large tuberous roots are very much used in native medicine, being regarded as tonic, alterative, aphrodisiac, demulcent, and lactagogue. The powdered root-stock is given with wine, for the purpose of increasing secretion of milk.
According to the author of the Makhzan-ul-Adwiya, they are tonic and alterative.
The Rev. J. Long says the powdered root is used in spleen disease ; it is purgative in its action.
Cholagogue, useful in liver complaints (J. N. Dey, in Watt's Dictionary).
The fresh tuber, collected in November when the vine had died away, was sliced, dried at a low temperature and reduced to fine powder. The ​ powder dried 100 o C., yielded 2*68 per cent, of extractive to absolute alcohol of which 1.73 per cent, was soluble in ether. The resins contained in the alcoholic extract had the properties of Jalap resins as regards colour,, reactions, &c, ; but we are unable to say whether they possess any purgative action. Sugar, reducing alkaline copper solution on boiling, was present to the extent of 10.909 per cent, calculated on the anhydrous tubers. The bulk of the tuber consists of starch, Supposing the resins to be purgative ; they are present in so small a proportion that no ordinary dose of the root would have any aperient action. (Pharmacographia Indica, Vol. II p. 536)
839. I. Batatas, Lamk. h.f.b.i., iv. 202.
Syn. : — Convolvulus Batatas, Linn. Roxb. 162.
Vern. :— -Shakarkand ; Rângâ âlu (B.) ; Shakarkand (H. and Pers.) ; Vulli-kiz-hangu (Tam.) ; Ratâlu, Shakar-kand (Bomb.) ; Sakaria (Guz-) ; Chelagada (Tel.) Genasu (Kan.).
Habitat : — Native of America, cutivated in India.
Prostrate annual herbs, glabrous or sparingly hairy. Tubers red, white or rarely yellow. Leaves ovate-cordate, many-fid. Acute angular, more or less lobed, Peduncles long. Flower 2in. and upwards, purple. Sepals elliptic, shortly acute, glabrous. Corolla widely tubular, funnel-shaped. Stamens included. Ovary 4-celled. Seeds glabrous. Rarely allowed to grow to the stage of fruiting or even flowering. The edible mealy tubers are gathered for the market long before that.
There are two forms, one with red and the other with tubers !
Use: --The roots of this plant have a laxative property. (Watt).
It contains more dry starchy and sugary matter than the ordinary potato, but less nitrogenous substance possessing about 10 to 20 per cent, of sugar and about 16.05 per cent, of starch. It is an excellent source of alcohol, 100 kilos of tubers yielding about 12 to 13 litres of absolute alcohol.
840. I: pes-tigridis, Linn, h.f.b.i. iv. 204; Roxb. 169.
Vern :— Languli-latâ (B.) ; Mekamu aduga (Tel.).
Habitat : — Throughout India.
Stems twining, patently hirsute. Leaves l-5in. diam., hirsute on both surfaces, deeply 5-9-lobed. Lobes elliptic, acuminate, narrowed at the base ; petiole l-3in. Peduncles ½-3in. Heads ​ peduncled, dense, fulvous-hirsute ; outer bracts lin., ovate or elliptic-oblong, not cordate ; inner bracts smaller, narrower, acute. Sepals ⅓-½in. ; lanceolate, acute, hirsute, enlarged in fruit. Corolla pink, medium-size, funnel-shaped, l¼in., tube narrow, mouth suddenly widened, sparsely hairy without. Stamens included. Ovary 2-celled, 4-ovuled, rarely imperfectly 4-celled near the base. Capsule ¼in., ovoid, papery, glabrous. Seeds minutely velvety or nearly glabrous. 4-2, rarely 1.
Use : — Said to be used medicinally (Watt).
841. I. reniformis, Chois. h.f.b.i,, iv. 206 ;
Roxb. 161 (UNDER CONV. RENIFORMIS).
Vern.:— Undirkáni (Bomb.) ; Perretoy kiray(Tam); Toinvatali (Tel.).
Habitat :— Deccan peninsula, common, extending northwards to Rajputana and Behar.
Closely creeping, much-branched, often rooting from nearly every node, glabrous, or sparingly pubescent. Leaves small, reniform or ovate-cordate, toothed, ½-1½in., often smaller, broader than long, occasionally 3-lobed ; petiole ¼-lin. Peduncles or very short, few-fid ; 1-3 flowered ; bracts inconspicuous. Sepals 1/6in., ovate-obtuse, glabrescent on the back, ciliate even in the fruit. Corolla small, yellow, ½-¾in., campanulate ; lobes 5, acute. Capsule 1/5in., subglobose, 2-celled a Cell often 1-seeded. Seeds 2-4, glabrous, dark chestnut-coloured. "At a little distance the plant has the appearance of Hydrocotyle asiatica." (Pharmacographia Indica, Vol. II. p. 539).
Use : — The plant is described as deobstruent and diuretic, (S. Arjun).
The Hindus administer the juice in rat-bite, and drop it into the ear to cure sores in that organ. Its properties appear to be more fanciful than real, though, like others of the genus, it is purgative if taken in large doses (Dymock
842. I. obscura, Ker. h.f.b.i., iv. 207.
Syn : — Convolvulus obscurus, Linn. Roxb. 158,
Vern. :— Sirutali (Tam.); Tsinuataliaku (Tel.).
Habitats:- Throughout India and Ceylon: ​ Stems long, slender, twining, hairy or nearly glabrous, often tinged with purple. Leaves l-2½in., ovate-cordate, acute, entire, nearly glabrous. Petiole l-3in., peduncles long, laxly 3- fid, l-3in., often 1 -flowered, rarely with 3-flowers. Bracts 1/6in., lanceolate, sub-persistent ; pedicels ¼-1½in. ; sepals ovate, subacute, nearly glabrous, ⅜in., ultimately broader obtuse, reflexed. Corolla ¾-lin., ochroleucous or white, with the plaits yellowish, always with a purple base ; tube narrow, mouth wide, glabrous. Anthers never twisted. Capsule ¼-⅓in., ovoid, subacute, glabrous, 2-.valved, 2-seeded, normally 4-seeded. Seeds densely softly brown, Velvety.
Uses :— The leaves have a pleasant smell and mucilaginous taste ; when toasted, powdered and boiled with ghi they are considered as a valuable application in aphthous affections (Ainslie.)
843. I. Sepiaria Koen. h.f.b.l, iv. 209 Roxb. 168.
Habitat :— Throughout India.
A perennial herb, glabrous or more or less hairy, Stems slender, twining. Leaves 1-3 in. long, ovate, acute, entire, base cordate, with a wide sinus and rounded lobes, petioles 1-2 in. long. Flowers many, in umbelliform long-peduncled cymes, peduncles 1-6 in. long; bracts small, caducous, pedicels clavate in fruit. Sepals about ¼ in. long, ovate, glabrous or slightly hairy, margins membranous, 2 outer rather shorter than the inner. Corolla narrowly funnel-shaped, pink or white with a purplish centre, about 1½ in. long, or more, limb suddenly widened at the mouth ; lobes acute, shortly apiculate. Filaments hairy at the base. Capsule ⅓ in. long, ovoid, glabrous. Seeds 4 or 2, clothed with grey silky hairs (Duthie).
Uses : — It has a reputation as an antidote to arsenic, the juice which is strongly acid, is said by Rheede to be used " ad purificationum corporis"
844. I. aquatica, Forsk. h.f.b.l, iv. 210; Roxb. 162.
Sans. : — Kalambi.
Vern. :— Kalmi-sák (B); Kalmi-ság, Nári_(N-W, P.) ; ​ Ganthian, Nári, Náli (Pb.) ; Naro (Sind.) ; Nálichi baji (Bomb.) ; Sarkarei valli ; Koilangu (Tam.) ; Tuti-kúra (Tel.).
Habitat : — Common throughout India.
Annual, glabrous nearly so. Stems trailing on mud or floating on still or flowing water, sometimes to a great length, hollow. Leaves 3-6in., elliptic-oblong, cordate or hastate or elongate, entire or angular, sublobed ; petiole l-6in., usually very long. Peduncles 2-7in., 1-5-flowered, bracts inconspicuous ; pedicles often l-2in. long. Sepals ovate-obtuse, ⅓in., glabrous or nearly so. Corolla large purple, glabrous 2in. Capsule ⅓-in., ovoid, glabrous, 4-2-seeded. Seeds most minutely hairy silky or very nearly glabrous. (C. B. Clarke).
Use : — In Burma, the juice is said to be employed as an emetic in cases of arsenical or opium poisoning. The juice when dried is nearly equal to scammony in purgative efficacy (O'Shaughnessy).
845. Campanulata, Linn, h.f.b.l, iv.211.
Habitat : — Deccan Peninsula, frequent.
A large twiner ; nearly glabrous, young parts hoary. Leaves 3-4 in., nerves prominent ; pretiole 2-3 in. Peduncles 1-4 in., stout; bracts early deciduous; corymbs 2-5 in. diam., 10-40- flowered. Sepals hoary, in fruit somewhat enlarged ½ in. diam. glabrate. Corolla very variable in size always prominently lobed, glabrous or nearly so. Capsule ½ in. diam., globose, Seeds with hairs often more than ½ in., long.
Use. : — It is said to be an antidote to snake poison.
846. I. Turpethum, Br. h.f.b.l, iv. 212.
Syn. : — Convolvulus Turpethum, Roxb. 160.
Sans. : — Trivrit ; Triputá.
Vern. :— Nisoth, Tarbud, Nukpatar ; Pitohari (H.) ; Teori, dudiya-kalmi (B.) ; Bana etka (Santal.); Chita baúsa (Pb.) ; Nishotar, Phútkari (Bomb.); Nishottara (Mar.); Nashotar, Nahotara (Guz.) ; Tikuri (Dec.) ; Shivadai (Tam.) ; Telia tegada ; Tegada (Tel.) ; Bilitigadu (Kan.),
Habitat : — Common throughout India. ​ A large, climbing, softly pubescent, or glabrous herb. Stem stout, quadrangular, winged, compressed or rarely round, and milky juice. Leaves 2-5in., ovate or oblong, not acuminate, base cordate or obtuse. Petiole l-2in. Peduncles l-4in., bracts lin., oblong, caducous, often pinkish. Pedicles ¼-lin. Cymes many-fid. Sepals ½in., usually softly pubescent ; in fruit lin., orbicular or ovate, concave, scarious or sub-succulent. Corolla white, largish, soon twisting. Capsule ½-¾in. diam., globose, normally 4-seeded. Seeds smooth, black, one in each cell.
Uses : — Sanskrit writers describe two varieties, viz., Sweta or white, and Krishna or black. The white variety is preferred for medical use as a moderate mild cathartic. The black variety is said to be a powerful drastic and to cause vomiting, faintness and giddiness (Dutt).
Mahomedan physicians recognize two forms, a white and a black, and recommend that the black should be avoided on account of its poisonous properties.
The flowers are in Western India applied to the head in hemicrania (Dymock).
The turpeth root, notably the white variety of it, is quite equal to jalap and superior to rhubarb in its action, and preferable to both for having no nauseous smell or taste, and for being a very efficient and satisfactory purgative when used alone. Its dose is somewhat larger than that of jalap, but this is no disadvantage, as long as it is safe and free from nauseous taste and smell. The dose is larger only by 10 or 15 grains. As a cathartic and laxative, the turpeth root is useful in all the affections in which either jalap or rhubarb is indicated. The best way of administering it is in simple powder ; but it may also be employed in combination with cream of tartar in equal proportion, and with or without a few grains of ginger in each drachm of the compound powder. Dose of the simple powder is from fifty to seventy grains, and of the compound powder from a drachm to ninety grains (Moodeen Sheriff).
About two scruples of the root are rubbed into a pulp with ​ water, and taken with the addition of rock salt and ginger or sugar and black pepper. Roxburgh wrote in his Flora Indica of this drug that " the bark of the root is by natives employed as a purgative, for which they use it fresh, rubbed up with milk. About 6 inches in length of a root, as thick as the little finger, they reckon a common dose."
Mr. T. N. Mukharji suggests that the uncertain action of the drug, purchased from the bazar, may be due to the admixture of the roots of Ipomœa bona-nox. The two roots, when dry, cannot be easily distinguished from each other. The plants, however, though resembling each other, can be easily identified. I. bona-nox has a round stem, while that of I. Turpethum is ribbed. The flowers and seeds of I. bona-nox are also larger than those ofI. Turpetham.
Turpethin, C$_{76}$H$_{128}$O$_{36}$ , the glucoside of the roots of Ipomœa turpetham, is an amorphous, yellow powder, colourless, in thin layers, and melts at 146.8° (corr); it has a rotatory power of— 30.14°, and is sparingly soluble in chloroform, soluble in alcohol and acetic acid. When treated with alkalis, it yields turpethic acid, a yellow, hygroscopic mass. By oxidation with nitric acid, turpethin yields oxalic, isobutyric, and sebacic acids and carbonic anhydride, whilst potassium permanganate oxidises it to oxalic, isobutyric, and turpe-tholic acids. When hydrolysed with mineral acids, it yields isobutyric acid (1 mol.), turpethole, C$_{16}$H$_{30}$O (? C$_{16}$H$_{30}$0) 3 , a substance forming feathery, interlaced crystals and melting at 85.76° (1 mol), glucose (3 mols.), and a viscid, liquid acid, which was not isolated, but gave a silver salt, C$_{15}$H$_{27}$O$_5$ Ag,
Turpetholic acid, C$_{16}$H$_{32}$O$_4$ is obtained, as mentioned, and also by the action of alkalis or their carbonates on turpethole. It forms a hard, white, crystalline mass, melts at ,88.4°, and is soluble in alcohol, sparingly soluble in ether ; turpethole seems to be the anhydride of turpetholic acid.— J. Ch. S. 1893, A. I. 424.
Turpethin is identical with jalapin in percentage composition ; when treated with baryta water, turpethic acid is formed, which is colourless and not volatile with steam.— J. Ch. S. 1896, A. I. 38.
The rhizome contains a glucosidal resin, named turpethein, soluble in pure ether. This is separable by light petroleums spirit into a soluble glucoside, a— turpethein, and a sparingly soluble body, b— turpethein. a— Turpethein is soluble in baryta water, and yields, when hydrolysed, the non-volatile fatty hydroxy-acid, C$_{16}$H$_{32}$O$_3$ , identical or isomeric with jalappinio ipomeolic, and tampicolic acids. It also yields a volatile fatty acid of C$_5$ series, probably one of the valeric acids. The sugar formed is rhamnose. b— Turpethein, when hydrolysed, gives a non-volatile, higher fatty acid, rhodeose, and dextrose.— [J Ch. I. May 31, 1907, p. 550], ​
847. I. biloba, Forsk h.f.b.i., iv. 212.
Syn. : — Convolvulus Pes-Capræ, Linn. ; C. bilobatus, Roxb. 163.
Vern : — Dopati-latâ (H.) ; Chhâgulkaru (B.) ; Marjâdvel (Bomb.) ; Bâlabândi tige, Chevulapilli tige (Tel.) ; Kansàrinata (Uriya).
Habitat : — Throughout India ; abundant near the sea.
An extensively creeping and twining sea-shore sand plant, glabrous. Leaves orbicular, obtuse, emarginate, or 2-lobed l-4in., often broader than long, fleshy, prominent-nerved ; petiole l-4in. Peduncle l-4in. 1-3-fid ; bracts 1/5in., lanceolate, caducous. Pedicels often more than one. Corolla 2in., purple, tubular, funnel-shaped, glabrous, margin scarcely lobed. Ovary 2-celled, not imperfectly 4-celled. Capsule ½in., ovoid, glabrous. Seeds villous.
Uses: — The leaves are applied externally in rheumatism and colic. The root contains starch. The juice is given as a diuretic in dropsy and at the same time the bruised leaves are applied to the dropsical part. (Dymock.)
The powdered roots, dried at a low temperature, were exhausted with 80 per cent, alcohol : the tincture exhibited a slight greenish yellow fluorescence. The tincture was freed from alcohol by spontaneous evaporation,, and the extract mixed with water, acidulated with sulphuric acid and agitated with benzole. During agitation, a brownish soft resin separated ; this resin was insoluble also in ether, but dissolved in alkalies with a dark yellowish brown coloratiou, and was precipitated by acid in brown flocks. The benzole solution left on spontaneous evaporation a viscid transparent residue of the colour and consistence of Venice turpentine, which possessed a slight odour of peppermint. This extract was soluble in absolute alcohol with greenish yellow fluorescence and was neutral in reaction : it was also soluble in ether, with similar fluorescence. The alcoholic solution gave with ferric chloride a dirty greenish precipitate. In cold 5 per cent, caustic soda it was insoluble, but on boiling it dissolved with some difficulty, affording a dark yellowish solution, while an odour not unlike that of aniseed was noticed. The cold caustic soda solution on agitatation with ether afforded a small amount of yellowish white oily extractive with an odour of aniseed. The caustic soda solution on the addition of dilute acids afforded a yellowish precipitate. The original acid aqueous solution was next agitated with ether. The extractive was small in amount, partly in the form of a transparent varnish adhering to the sides of the capsule, and partly in indistinct whitish crystals. Heated with water, a portion ​ dissolved, affording a clear solution, but which became turbid on cooling from a deposit of yellowish flocks, which on miscroscopic examination were not found to exhibit a crystalline structure ; we only detected minute globules. The aqueous solution was strongly acid in reaction, and gave with ferric chhloride a dirty greenish coloration, with lime water a bright yellow coloration, and with basic acetate of lead a sulphur-yellow precipitate. This principle, soluble in water, and reprecipitated on cooling, is probably allied to the Quercitrin group of principles, That portion of the residue insoluble in water, was in properties similar to the resin dissolved by benzole.
The aqueous acid solution was lastly rendered alkaline and agitated with ether. The ethereal extract was not more than a trace, but afforded all the reactions in a marked degree of an alkaloidal principle.
The leaves also afforded marked evidence of the presence of an alkaloidal principle soluble in ether, and probably similar to the one we detected in the roots. (Pharmacographia Indica, II. 539).
848. I. vitifolia, sweet, h.f b.i. , IV. 213.
Vern. : — Nawal (Bomb.).
Habitat : — Throughout India.
A large hairy climber, Leaves 2-6in., diam., cordate, palmately 5-lobed. Petiole ½-2in. Peduncles 1-7-fid., l-4in. Sepals ovate acute, hirsute ; often ¾in. in fruit Corolla 1½in., campanulate, sulphur-coloured. Capsule ½in. diam., depressed, globose, membranous, 2-celled, normally 4-seeded. Seeds glabrous.
Uses : — -The juice is in the Konkan considered cooling and is given with milk and sugar. A lep is prepared, consisting of the juice, with lime juice one part, opium ½, and Coptis teeta ¼, which is applied around the orbit of the eye in inflammation. (Dymock).
849. Convolvulus arvensis, Linn. h.f.b.i., iv. 219.
Syn : — C. Malcolmii, Roxb 159.
Vern : — Veri (?) ; Hiranpadi (Pb. and H.) ; Hirn-pug (Guz, Sind) ; Naranji (Kan).
Habitat : — Western India, from Kashmir to the Deccan.
A glabrous or somewhat pubescent herb. Root-stock creeping. Stems slender, prostrate, twining, 6-24in. Leaves ovate cordate, auriculate or hastate, 1-3in., lower often lobed ; petioles ¼-⅔in. Peduncles l-2in. long, 1-3-fid ; bracts small, 1/6in. linear ​ Pedicels ⅛-1in. Sepals ¼in., elliptic, obtuse, glabrous or nearly so, with or without a mucro. Corolla widely funnel-shaped, glabrous, middle-sized, purplish. Capsule ¼-⅓in., glabrous. Seed subtrigonous, dark-brown.
Use :— The root possesses cathartic properties and is sometimes used by the Sindhis as jalap (Murray).
It contains convolvulin.
850. Evolvulus alsinoidies, Linn, h.f.b.l, iv. 220 ; Roxb. 276.
Sans. : — Vishnugandhi.
Vern. : — Sankhpushpi (Pb.) ; Shankhaveli (Bomb.) ; Vistnoo-krandie (Tam.) ; Vistna-clandi (Malayalam) ; Vistnoo-krandum (Tel.).
Habitat : — Very common throughout India ; rare in very damp regions.
A much-branched diffuse perennial herb ; annual branches many, spreading from a short woody root-stock, wiry, more or less pilose or sometimes almost glabrous. Leaves variable, sessile or nearly so, ¼-lin. long, lanceolate to ovate, obtuse, mucronate, acute at the base, densely clothed with appressed white or fulvous silky pubescence. Flowers blue or white, on 1-3-flowered filiform peduncle ; bract small, linear, hirsute, persistent, pedicels filiform. Calyx densely silky ; segments 1/6in. long, lanceolate, acute. Corolla subrotate, 1/5in. long. Capsule ⅛-1/5in, in diam., 4-valved and usually 4-seeded. (Duthie.)
Parts used : — Leaves, stalks and roots.
Use : — In the Vedic period, it was believed to possess the power of promoting conception. The Mahomedan physicians believe that this plant has the power to strengthen the brain and memory (Dymock).
It is used as a febrifuge with cunim and milk also as an alterative and with oil to promote the growth of the hair (Rheede).
The leaves, stalks, and roots are all used in medicine by the Tamools, and are supposed to possess virtues in certain bowel affections. They are prescribed in infusion in the quantity of ​ half a teacup-ful twice daily. (Ainslie). It is reputed to be a sovereign remedy for dysentery.
The plant is used in Ceylon as a bitter tonic and febrifuge.
The root is used by the Santals in intermittent fever of children (Revd. A Campbell).
The leaves are made into cigarettes and smoked in chronic bronchitis and asthma. The plant is astringent, useful in internal hæmorrhages (Surgeon-Major Hunston, in Watt's Dictionary).
Ether separated from the powdered herb a yellow neutral fat of the consistence of vaseline. The alcoholic extract contained an alkaloid of a slightly bitter taste, and affording no colour reactions with strong mineral acids. An organic acid of a deep red brown colour occurred in the water extract, and formed an uncrystallizable compound with lead. A quantity of saline matter was present in this drug. (Pharmacograph. Ind. II. 544).
851. Cressa cretica, Linn, h.f.b.l, iv. 225 ; Roxb. 265.
Sans : — Rudantika, Amrita- Srava.
Vern. :— Gûn (Sind.); Khardi (Bomb.); Chavel (Nâsik) ; Uppu Sanaga (Tel.).
Habitat : — Throughout India, from the Punjab and Calcutta to Ceylon.
A small erect bush-like annual. Stems 6-18in. long, slender, much branched. Leaves crowded, sessile ⅛-⅓in. long, densely silky-hairy ; lower cordate, upper smaller, ovate or lanceolate. Flowers very shortly pedicelled, white or pink ; bracts 2, small linear, appressed to the calyx. Calyx densely silky ; segments ⅛in. long, elliptic, obtuse, concave. Corolla 1/5in. long, divided down to the middle ; lobes oblong, reflexed, hairy outside near the apex. Capsule 1/6-1/5in long, ovoid, pointed, hairy at the apex. Seeds 4. (Duthie.)
The Indian plant differs from the common form C. cretica, in having the capsule* 4 seeded.
Uses : — It is considered by Sanskrit writers to be exhilarating, and to purify the blood and give tone to the system. It is presented in decoction. ​ It is used as a tonic and believed to possess expectorant properties (S. Arjun).
Chemical composition. -The plant contains an alkaloid soluble in ether, which fails to afford any special colour reactions ; its solution is not precipitated by chromates. It is not bitter. There is nothing else in the plant of special interest.
852. Cuscuta reflexa, Roxb. h.f.b.l, iv. 225 ; Roxb. 150.
Sans. : — Amaravêla.
Vern. : — Haldi-algusi-latâ. Algusi (B.) ; Alagjari (Santal.) ; Nilâthâri, virâdhar, âmil, zarbuti (Pb.) ; Bazar names of the seed: — A'kâsbel, âftimûn, kasus (H. and Pb.) ; Akaspawan, Amarwêl (Dec.) ; Akaswl (Guz.) ; Ninnuli Âkashwêl (Mar.) ; Sitama purgonalu ; Sitamma pôgu nulu (Tel.).
Habitat : — Common throughout India ; abundant in Bengal Plains.
A leafless, twining parasite, with stout fleshy branches forming dense yellow masses on low and tall trees and shrubs, with greenish white waxy or yellow fragrant, flowers shortly stalked crowded in numerous clusters or racemes, 5-merous. Recemes l-4in. long. Pedicels 0-£in., often verrucose. Bracts 1/20in. Sepals 1/10in., nearly distinct, ovate. Corolla campanuate, ldeciduous ¼-⅓ by 1/6in., subcylindric, lobes short, triangular, reflexed ; scales remote from the filaments, prominent, emarginate, fimbriate. Stigmas 2, long, acute, wide apart, lanceolate. Styles very stout. Capsule i-|in., fleshy, acute when unripe, circumciss near the base when mature, subquadrate obtuse, tough, fleshy, 4-seeded. Kanjilal makes the following remarks :— " The leafless character is carried even to the embryo which is destitute of cotyledons. The seed germinates on the ground, but the plant does not seem to derive much nourishment from it, its growth being sustained, for the little while it is obliged to shift for itself, by the fleshy albumen in which the. germ-plant is imbedded in the seed. As soon as the seedling twines itself round a woody plant, it developes several thick sucker-like haustoria along the surface of contact, which, penetrating the bark of ​the host, begin to draw nourishment from the cambium layer. Directly it is affected, it loses its attachment to the soil, and the portion below the lowest haustorium then dries and drops off. Henceforth the parasite goes on flourishing entirely at the expense of the host".
Uses : — The seeds are regarded as carminative, and for this purpose are boiled and placed over the stomach. They are also applied as an anodyne. A cold infusion is given as a depurative. They constitute part of the Kasûs or purgative medicine sold in the Punjab (Stewart).
The native doctors of Sind and the Punjab regard the seeds of this plant as alterative, used along with Sarsaparilla to purify the blood! The natives having observed that the plant severs its connection with the earth, and not having discovered the existence of parasitic roots, viewing the attaching suckers most probably as accidental, have a proverb that he who finds the roots of this plant will become possessed of boundless wealth and of the power of invisibility (Murray). It is probable that the seeds of Cassytha filiformis, Linn., are sold and used indiscriminately with those of this plant under the vernacular name of Âkâs bel.
The stems of C. reflexa, are mentioned in the Bombay Gazeteer as specially useful in bilious disorders.
It is purgative and used externally against itch and internally in protracted fevers, retention of wind, and induration of the liver. It is also said to produce thirst {Punjab Products).
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