stomachic, as, in addition to its tonic property it is also somewhat laxative (Ph. Ind.).
The aerial and subterranean portions of this plant were examined separately ; the former gave 34 per cent, of dry alcoholic extract and 15.7 per cent, of ash, and the latter 15.5 per cent, of dry alcoholic extract and 10.4 per cent, of ash. The bitter principle from both portions appeared to be identical and to have the characters of a glucoside. It was left as a varnish-like residue from the evaporation of its solution in chloroform, and was also soluble in ether, benzol, alcohol and water. It gave a reddish brown colour with strong sulphuric acid, which changed to a purplish tint after standing. The hydrolysis of the bitter principle with dilute hydrochloric acid resulted in the production of an agreeable aromatic substance, and the deposition of a nocculent light-brown colouring matter. (Pharuiacographia Indica Vol. II P,516.)
795. Erythrœa Roxburghii, G. Don., h.f.b.l, iv. 102.
Syn.: — Chironia centruaioides, Roxb. 196.
Vern. : — Luntuk kurunai, kadavi-nái (Bomb.) ; Charáyatah (II.); Girmi, gima (B.) ; Gada-sigrik (Santal,) ; Jangli-kariátu (Guz).
Habitat : — Throughout India ; from the Punjab and Bengal to Travancore. Common in Thana (Konkan), on walls.
An annual herb. Stem 2-12in. high, 4 angled Radical leaves numerous, persistent, obovate or elliptic, 1 by ⅓in. usually obtuse. Cauline leaves smaller, narrower. Cymes repeatedly dichotomous, with long pedicelled flower in each fork. Pedicels in the fork usually ¼ to ½in. Bracts not prominent. Calyx 1/5in. Corolla-tube exceeding ¼in, lobes very small, Corolla-tube much longer than the Calyx. Lobes rose-coloured. Anthers at length, spirally twisted. Stigma large, 2-lamellate. Capsule narrowly oblong.
Use : — The whole plant is described as powerfully bitter, and is held in high esteem by the natives (Bengal Dispensatory, p. 461). It doubtless might prove a useful tonic (Ph. Ind.). It is used by the Santals in fever. (Revd. A. Campbell.) It it used as a substitute for chiretta, especially in Bengal.
796. Canscora diffusa, Br. h.f.b.l, iv. 103,
Syn. : — Pladera virgata, Roxb. 134.
