N. 0, SCKOPIIULARINEvE. 027
symptoms. The remedy for this condition is said to be a plant called Sannipata-nud, " driving away sannipat," and Nepala- nimba, " Nepal Neem " or " Nepal bitter." At the present time the drag sold in the shops is 8. sphcerocarpa but whether it is the original Nepal Neem is difficult to decide, as at present we do not even know whether this plant is found in Nepal. Tn typhoid conditions the drug is considered to act as a tonic, to promote diuresis, subdue fever, and remove the derangement of the humors. We are not aware of any experiments having been made with it by European physicians in India, though its near relationship with the Antirrhinums, which contain gluco- sides similar to those of Digitalis, would, we should have thought, have excited curiosity in regard to its physiological action." (Pharmacographia Indica, III. 5.)
Ohemical composition.— The powdered drug treated with ether yielded a dark olive-green extract, consisting of chlorophyll and uncrystallizable fatty matter. Subsequent percolation with alcohol removed a deep brown extract, from which cubical crystals of alkaline chlorides 'separated on evaporation. An aqueous solution of this extract had a saltish taste and gave distinct precipitates with alkaloidal tests. The alkaloid was removed by ether in an amorphous condition, and gave no well-marked colour reactions with the strong mineral acids. By continuing the exhaustion of the powdered drug with water, a deep reddish brown extract was obtained having a bitterish and nauseous taste, and containing saccharine and other matters which readily fermented. In order to ascertain if the drug contained a substance similar to digitalin, a fresh decoction of the powder was filtered and precipita- ted by tannin, the precipitate washed, mixed with an excess of alkali, and shaken with ether. The result was the separation of an alkaloid similar to that previously found. As more recent investigators prepare digitalin by exhausting with alcohol after treatment of the drug with water, this process was adopted with Schweinfnrthia, The resinous matter collected had an acrid taste, but no principle could be obtained possessing the properties of digitalin, digitonin or digitoxin, to which, according to Schmiedeberg, the poisonous qualities of digitalis are due. Besides the alkaloid, which we consi- er to be the active principle, the drug yielded 18*6 per cent, of mineral matter." (Pharmacographia Indica III. 6).
885. Lindenbergia urticoe folia, Lehm. h.f.b.i., iv. 262.
Syn. : — Stemodia ruderalis, Vahl. Roxb.4 90.
Vern. :— Dhol (Mar.) ; Gazdar (Bomb.).
Habitat : — Throughout India, on walls and banks.
