human body, with leaves opposite and abruptly pinnate. Leaflets,
the lower ones smaller, 5 pairs, ovate, lanceolate, glabrous
and rather tough. Common petiole, cleft at the base, lacking
glandule. Flowers bright yellow, in long, pendulous racemes. Calyx,
5 ovate sepals. Corolla, 5 unequal petals. Stamens 10, free, 3
longer than the rest. Ovary unilocular, many-ovuled. Pod cylindrical,
pointed at the end, woody, black, 1-2° long, with many circular seeds,
surrounded by a blackish pulp and separated by partitions.
Habitat.--Common in Luzon and Panay. Blooms in March.
_Cassia occidentalis_, L.
Nom. Vulg.--_Tighiman_, _Balotangaso_, Tag.; _Tambalisa_, Vis.;
_Western Senna_, _Styptic Weed_, Eng.; _Negro Coffee_, Indo-Eng.
Uses.--In Brazil they use an infusion of the root as a tonic and
diuretic, 4 grams of the root bark and 180 of boiling water to be taken
in one day. In Dahomey the leaves are used as a febrifuge. Thirty
grams of fresh leaves are boiled in 300 grams of water till the
liquid is reduced to 250 grams. The patient takes this decoction
hot the first day of the fever and a profuse perspiration promptly
breaks out. As a rule the effect is immediate and the fever does not
recur. This treatment of fevers is more common in that country than
that by quinine and they claim that it has the advantage over the
latter of acting as a stomachic tonic. By adding a small quantity
of the roots to the decoction it is rendered diuretic. The seeds
possess the same properties and are used in decoctions of 30 grams
to 300 of water. According to De Lanesan the roasted seeds are used
in La Réunion in infusion similar to coffee in the treatment of
gastralgia and asthma. In some countries they mix them with coffee
just as chicory is used in Europe.
Heckel and Schlagdenhauffen have made a very complete study of the
plant and we quote the following from their works:
Chemical composition of the seeds.--
Water 8.850
Fats and pigments soluble in petroleum ether 1.600
Fats and pigments soluble in chloroform 1.150
Odorous material and traces of tannin 5.022
Glucose 0.738
Gummy, mucilaginous and pectic matter 15.734
Soluble albuminoids and aleuron 6.536
Cellulose 7.434
Insoluble albuminose 2.216
Lignose 32.727
Fixed salts 17.976
Lost material .017
-------
100.000
Previous to the studies of the above authors the seeds had been
therapeutically tested by Delioux de Savignac and Professor
Clouet. Heckel and Schlagdenhauffen have confirmed the febrifuge
virtues of the seeds and are uncertain as to the active principle
since they found no glucoside or alkaloid in their analysis. The
antiperiodic properties are comparable with those of quinine and have
even proved effective in some cases in which quinine failed. It seems
quite clear that the tannin is the active principle which is the
more probable because its anti-periodic virtues are now recognized
by all therapeutists.
It is given in maceration or infusion, 2-15 grams of the seeds to 3
or 400 of water to be taken several times a day. The treatment causes
no very marked physiological effects. It seems to act as a sedative
to the nervous system.
Botanical Description.--An annual plant, .60-1 meter high. Root
central with lateral rootlets. Stem straight, ramose. Leaves opposite,
abruptly pinnate with a stylet in place of the odd leaflet. Leaflets,
5-6 pairs, the lower ones smaller, ovate, oblong, margins and lower
face downy. Common petiole swollen at the base, 2 stipules and 1
glandule. Calyx, 5 unequal sepals. Corolla, 5 nearly equal petals,
sulphur yellow, concave, the posterior one further developed. Two
verticils of 5 stamens each. Of the 5 stamens superior to the sepals,
2 are fertile, larger and arched; of the other 5 stamens 4 are fertile
and small. Pod compressed, linear, smooth, 5' long, containing many
compressed, heart-shaped seeds, separated by thin partitions.
Habitat.--Common in Luzon. Blooms in October.
_Cassia alata_, L.
Nom. Vulg.--_Acapulco_, Sp.-Fil.; _Katandá_, _Gamut sa Buni_,
_Sonting_, Tag.; _Sunting, Kansitás_, Vis.; _Pakayomkom-kastila_, Pam.
Uses.--This is one of the most popular Philippine remedies and its
usefulness is vouched for by many physicians practicing in many
different lands. Its antiherpetic properties are notable and the
Tagalo name of the plant, "Gamut sa Buni," means literally "medicine
for herpes." The natives use the juice of the leaf applied locally
to the affected part. These properties have long been familiar to
the Malays and to the Hindoos who in their medical works give the
plant the Sanscrit name of "Dadrughna," meaning "to cure herpes." The
Pharmacopoeia of Bengal recommends cassia in the form of an ointment
made by mixing the crushed tender leaves with simple ointment. This
preparation is, in our opinion, undesirable on account of its liability
to become rancid and vaseline should be the excipient used. Another
application for herpetic eruptions is the juice of the leaves mixed
with an equal quantity of lemon juice. The Malays use the leaves dried
in the sun, adding to them a little water and rubbing them briskly
on the affected parts, the vigorous treatment being an important part
of the cure.
The decoction of the leaves is a laxative and according to Mr. J. Wood
the tincture has an action similar to that of senna. Dr. Pulney Andy
of India states that the extract prepared from the tender leaves is
a good substitute for extract of colocynth.
Mr. A. Porte claims to have obtained the best results with an acetic
extract of the fresh leaves. The following is his formula:
Fresh leaves of _C. alata_ 100 grams.
Acetic acid diluted in 2/3 water 450 grams.
Macerate 10 or 12 days, filter and express, then filter again and
evaporate to the consistency of an extract.
The seeds contain vermifuge principles.
The activity of this plant in herpes is due to the chrysophanic acid
contained in it. The more recent the eruption the more certain is
the effect.
The following species, all of which grow in the Philippines, contain
principles analogous to those of the _C. alata_, viz.: _C. sophera_,
L. and _C. tora_, L., called in Tagalo _manimanihan_.
Botanical Description.--A shrub, 7-9° high, with a straight, ramose
trunk 3-4' in diameter. Leaves 1 1/2-2° long, opposite, abruptly
pinnate, a thick stylet taking the place of the odd leaflet. Leaflets
10-13 pairs, the smaller ones 1-2' long. Common petiole with 2
horizontal stipules at the base. Flowers in conspicuous, erect
racemes. Calyx, 5 free concave, unequal sepals. Corolla, 5 petals of
a beautiful yellow color. Stamens perigynous, 10 in number, 3 upper
ones very small and frequently sterile, 3 lower very large. The
bilocular anthers open by 2 pores. Ovary many-ovuled with filiform
style. Pod long with 2 prominent wings on the sides and many seeds
which slightly resemble a cross with blunt ends.
The _C. sophera_, L., is characterized by 10 stamens, all fertile
and a smooth, linear, bivalved pod full of seeds separated by false
partitions. The _C. tora_, L., bears a quadrangular pod about 15
centimeters long by 2 in diameter.
Habitat.--Grows in all parts of the islands and is universally known
by the natives. Blooms in May.
_Tamarindus Indica_, L.
Nom. Vulg.--_Tamarindo_, Sp.; _Sampalok_, Tag., Pam., Bik.; _Sambak_,
_Sumalagi_, _Kamalagi_, Vis.; _Tamarind_, Eng.
Uses.--The pulp of the fruit is used to make a sort of sweet preserve
and is very popular among the Filipinos. They prepare a refreshing
drink from the pulp mixed with sweetened water and believing it to
be beneficial to the liver, stomach and blood, they use too much
of it. Its excessive use is rather prejudicial to the health, but
given in moderation it is very efficient in allaying the thirst of
fever patients. The pulp contains weak laxative properties and it
is customary to administer it in solution with cream of tartar. Its
chemical composition is as follows:
Citric acid 9.40
Tartaric acid 1.55
Malic acid 0.45
Potassium bitartrate 3.25
Sugar 12.50
Gum 4.70
Vegetable gelatin 6.25
Parenchyma 34.35
Water 27.55
(Vauquelin.)
At the end of any sickness, especially after labor, the first bath
given to the convalescent is with a decoction of the leaves of the
"sampaloc," to prevent convulsions, the native herb-doctors say.
Botanical Description.--A large tree, somewhat resembling the elm in
contour, with leaves opposite, abruptly pinnate. Leaflets 12 or more
pairs, linear, with a notch at the apex, entire, glabrous. Flowers
yellow-white, spattered dark red, racemose. Calyx, 4 sepals. Corolla,
5 lanceolate petals with crispate borders. Stamens monadelphous,
dividing into 7 filaments above. The ripe pod is chocolate color,
oblong, slightly compressed, straight or curved, 6-15 centimeters
long, full of a light-brown pulp in which rest the seeds enveloped in
a cellular membrane. These seeds are flattened, almost quadrangular;
testa hard, of a chestnut color, shiny and without albumen.
Habitat.--Very common everywhere in the islands. Blooms in May.
_Bauhinia malabarica_, Roxb. (_B. tomentosa_, Wall. and Blanco.)
Nom. Vulg.--_Alibangbang_, Tag., Vis., Pam.
Uses.--The leaves of this tree and of the species _B. tomentosa_,
L., are quite acid and the Filipinos use them as an ingredient of
many dishes. The fresh flowers possess anti-dysenteric virtues for
which purpose they are given internally in infusion of 10-20 grams
of the flowers to one-half liter of water. The decoction of the root
bark is a common remedy for liver troubles along the coast of Malabar
according to Rheede.
Botanical Description.--A tree 20° high, with leaves alternate,
peltate, slightly cordate, orbicular, the apex divided into two large
lobules with a stylet between them, glabrous above, somewhat downy
beneath; 2 large, flat glandules are situated at the base. Petioles
short. Flowers cymose. Peduncle long. Calyx inferior, funnelform,
with 4-5 sepals as long as the corolla. Corolla, 5 petals. Stamens
10, 5 alternate ones longer than the others. Stigma thick, peltate,
2 lobules. Pod 1° long, with linear stalk, containing many seeds
separated by filamentous isthmuses.
Habitat.--Common everywhere. Blooms in November.
LEGUMINOSÆ.
Mimosa Division.
_Entada scandens_, Benth. (_E. Pursoetha_, DC. and Blanco.)
Nom. Vulg.--_Gogo_, Tag.; _Bayogo_, _Balogo_, _Gohong bakay_, Vis. and
Pam.; _Gilla Nuts_, Indo-Eng.
Uses.--The use made of the mashed bark of this tree is well known
throughout the Philippines. Cut in strips and beaten thoroughly between
stones it is sold under the name of "gogo"; it is macerated in water,
to which it imparts a reddish color, and forms a substitute for
soap. The Filipinos use this preparation for bathing, especially
the hair, for which purpose there is no more useful or simple
preparation. It cures pityriasis, and renders the hair very soft,
without drying it too much as is usually the case with soap. The
natives use it in treating the itch, washing the affected parts with
the maceration and at the same time briskly rubbing them with the
bark; in this way they remove the crusts that shield the acari. The
treatment is successful in direct proportion to the energy of rubbing.
The seeds of "gogo" are very large, lenticular, flattened, 3-4
centimeters in diameter. Their chemical composition has been studied by
Pettit. Alcohol dissolves the active principle, perhaps a glucoside,
the study of which the author has not completed. Five centigrams of
this substance administered to a guinea-pig causes paralysis of the
hind quarters without any apparent inflammation. He also found saponin
in the seeds, but it exists in much greater quantity in the trunk. In
the Sunda Islands they eat the seeds roasted and also extract from
them an illuminating oil.
The maceration of gogo is emetic and purgative; it is used in the
treatment of asthma; it is exceedingly irritating, the slightest
quantity that enters the eye causing severe smarting and a slight
conjunctivitis for one or two days.
Botanical Description.--A high climbing shrub with stem as much as
7-8' in diameter. Leaves opposite, twice abruptly pinnate, a stylet
replacing the terminal leaflet; 5 pairs of elliptical leaflets, entire,
glabrous and notched at the apex. Common petiole with 2 stipules
at the base. Flowers in delicate spikes. Calyx obliquely truncate,
5-toothed. Corolla, 5 oval petals much larger than the calyx. Stamens
10-13. Filaments longer than the corolla. Anther with 1-2 white,
globose glandules. Pod woody, 4-6° long by "4 fingers" broad, with
large notches on the borders, many compartments containing many large,
compressed, circular seeds with dark-colored testa, 3-4 centimeters
in diameter.
Habitat.--Mountains of Luzon and Panay. Blooms in May.
_Parkia Roxburghii_, G. Don. (_P. brunonis_, Grah.; _P. biglobosa_,
Benth.; _Mimosa peregrina_, Blanco.)
Nom. Vulg.--_Kopang_, Tag.
Uses.--The fruit is edible. Its pulp is golden yellow with a sweetish
taste and an odor like that of violets.
The roasted seeds are used in certain parts of Africa to make
an infusion like coffee, for which reason they have been called
"Soudan Coffee."
The pulp was analyzed by Heckel and Schlagdenhauffen in 1887;
it contains 60% of its weight of sugar (a mixture of dextrose and
levulose), 0.98% of free tartaric and citric acids, fats, albuminoids,
etc.
Botanical Description.--A large tree of the first order. Leaves
opposite, twice abruptly pinnate. Leaflets small, linear, more
than 40 pairs. Principal petiole with one glandule at the base
and often another higher up. Calyx long, tubular, with 5 unequal
lobules. Corolla, 5 equal petals. Stamens 10, monadelphous. Ovary
free, unilocular, multi-ovulate. Pod, 1° × 1', woody, much compressed,
brown, with many seeds embedded in a yellow pulp.
Habitat.--Abounds in the provinces of central Luzon. Blooms in
December.
_Acacia Farnesiana_, Willd. (_A. Indica_, Desv.; _Mimosa Farnesiana_,
L. and Blanco.)
Nom. Vulg.--Aroma, Sp.; Cassie Flower, Eng.
Uses.--The trunk bark is astringent and in decoction is of use in the
treatment of prolapsed rectum and as an injection for leucorrhoea. A
poultice of the tender leaves is applied to ulcers and sores previously
washed with the decoction.
The tree exudes an abundant gum very similar to gum arabic which
latter is the product of another species of acacia (_A. Arabica_,
Willd.). The Manila pharmacist, D. Anacleto del Rosario, sent to
the Paris Exposition of 1899 a specimen of this gum obtained on the
plantation of D. P. P. Roxas, in Batangas. This specimen differed in
no respect from gum arabic and it will surely sooner or later take
the place of the latter in the Philippines, both for pharmaceutical
and industrial purposes. It would be superfluous to describe here
the properties of gum arabic.
Botanical Description.--A small tree 9-12° high, very well known, trunk
bristling with long thorns. Leaves twice abruptly pinnate. One or more
pairs of leaflets, very small, linear. Common petiole with two thorns
united at its base and a small glandule on the upper part. Flowers
yellow, aromatic, axillary, joined in a globose head 1/2-3/4' in
diameter, consisting of more than 50 minute flowerets. In each axil
are 2 peduncles. In some heads all the flowerets are staminate, in
others hermaphrodite. The hermaphrodite flowers have a calyx with
5 small teeth. Corolla, 5 petals. Stamens 40 or more. Pistil same
length as the stamens. Staminate flowers: calyx, corolla, stamens
and anthers as in the hermaphrodite flowers. Pistil none. Pod round,
curved, with 8 or more elliptical, compressed seeds.
Habitat.--Grows everywhere, but forms dense thickets in the provinces
of La Laguna and Batangas. Blooms in January.
CRASSULACEÆ.
Orpine Family.
_Kalanchoe laciniata_, DC. (_Cotyledon laciniata_, Roxb.; _Bryophyllum
serratum_, Blanco.)
Nom. Vulg.--_Siempreviva_ (_Live-for-ever_), Sp.-Fil.; _Katakataka_,
Tag.
Uses.--The fleshy leaves are beaten up and applied to chronic ulcers
and sores on which they exert a stimulant action. Applied to the
temples they relieve headache. Ainslie testifies to the good effect
of its local use in inflammations and as a wash for ulcers. The juice
of the leaves is used in Concan in the treatment of bilious diarrhoea
and gall stones.
Botanical Description.--A well-known plant, about 2° high, with leaves
sessile, opposite, oval, serrately toothed, fleshy. Flowers yellow,
in umbels, the stalks reaching a height of 3°. Calyx very short,
with 4 lanceolate, acuminate sepals, united at the base. Corolla
salver-shaped, persistent, with border having 4 small lobules. Stamens
8, fertile. Ovaries 4, free, each with 1 many-ovuled cell. Styles
same length as the stamens. Stigmas awl-shaped. Four seed vessels,
each with 1 compartment containing many oblong seeds.
Habitat.--Common in all parts of the islands.
COMBRETACEÆ.
_Terminalia Catappa_, L. (_T. molucana_, Lam.; _T. mauriciana_,
Blanco.)
Nom. Vulg.--_Talisay_, Tag.; _Almendro_, Sp.-Fil.; _Talisay_,
_Banilak_, _Nato_, _Hitam_, Vis.; _Kalisay_, Pam.; _Lugo_, _Pandan_,
Iloc.; _Indian Almond_, Indo-Eng.
Uses.--The kernel is edible and has a very agreeable taste. It yields
about 50% of a fixed oil, sweet and savory. If left for some time,
it deposits an abundance of stearin. It closely resembles oil of sweet
almonds for which it, as well as the oil of Pili (_Canarium commune_,
L.), which we have already described, makes a good substitute.
The trunk bark is astringent and in decoction is used for atonic
diarrhoea and as a lotion for ulcers.
Decoction.--
Bark (ground and pounded) 12 grams.
Water 150 grams.
Simple syrup 40 grams.
To be given by the tablespoonful in 24 hours.
Botanical Description.--A tree, 6-8 m. high. Branches horizontal
and radiating from the trunk. Leaves purplish, bunched, cleft at
the base, sometimes transversely ovate, sometimes oval, notched,
glabrous. Petiole very short. Flowers axillary, racemose, with a scale
at the base of the peduncle, some hermaphrodite and others lacking
pistils. Staminate flowers: calyx downy within, with 5 lobes. Corolla
wanting. Stamens 10, inserted on the calyx. Hermaphrodite flowers:
pistil same length as stamens. Drupe, fleshy, inferior, oval with
the borders turned upward containing a very hard and fibrous nut;
seed long and sharp-pointed.
Habitat.--Common in Luzon. In Manila it is cultivated extensively as
an ornamental tree, especially along the Sabana Walk, General Solano
Ave. and in Sampaloc and Malacañan.
_Terminalia Chebula_, Retz. (_T. reticulata_, Toth.; _Bucida cuminata_,
Blanco.)
Nom. Vulg.--_Dinglas_, _Diglas_, Tag.; _Black Myrobalan Tree_,
Indo-Eng.
Uses.--The ripe fruit, called _myrobalans_ in India, is purgative
and six of them pounded up and given in decoction operate with
certainty, producing 4 or 5 copious evacuations without nausea or
other disagreeable symptoms. Dr. Waring has experimented with them
and recommends them highly. The taste may be made more agreeable
by adding a little cinnamon to the decoction. Dymock states that
three fruits are sufficient, and Dr. Hove gives one as the effective
dose. This lack of agreement may be explained by the fact that the
fruits are of different sizes, and probably Waring refers to those
of medium size. Contrary to what one would imagine, judging from
its purgative action, the fruit contains astringent principles, and
makes an effective injection for leucorrhoea as a substitute for nut
galls. It is also of some merit in the treatment of piles.
The green fruit is highly esteemed by Radja Kalikesen as a carminative,
tonic and purgative. Dr. Twining also mentions these same properties,
recommends it as a tonic and aperient of great benefit in atony of
the digestive organs and expresses surprise that the Europeans make
no use of it. According to the same author a dose in the treatment
of diarrhoea and dysentery is 4 grams twice a day. He quotes a case
of hypertrophy of the spleen which he cured with this fruit.
Some of the leaves bear horn-shaped galls, flattened, narrow and
hollow. They are caused by an insect which stings the leaves and
deposits its eggs in them. These leaves with galls are astringent and
very useful and effective in dysentery and diarrhoea, especially that
of children. The dose for a child of more than one year is 0.40 to 0.50
gram a day, administered in fractional doses every two or three hours.
Fridolin has obtained from its fruit an acid, which he calls
_chebulinic_ (C_28_H_25_O_10_) and presumes to be a mixture of tannic
and gallic acids. As Stenhouse had formerly indicated, no principle has
been discovered to which the purgative properties can be attributed,
unless it be a green oleo-resin turned red by nitric acid, obtained
from the fruit by Apery.
Botanical Description.--A tree of the second order, with leaves
3' long, alternate, lanceolate, entire and glabrous. Petioles
short. Flowers terminal, in spiked panicles. Calyx superior,
bell-shaped, colored, downy within, 5-toothed. Corolla wanting. Stamens
10, longer than the calyx. Anthers roundish. Ovary cylindrical. Style
curved and longer than the stamens. Stigma simple. Fruit ovoid, 2-4
centimeters long, 5-10 acute angles, wrinkled, with blackish, hard,
compact mesocarp; contains 1 seed.
Habitat.--Batangas, San Mateo. Blooms in May.
_Quisqualis Indica_, L. (_Q. villosa_, Roxb.; _Q. spinosa_, Nares.)
Nom. Vulg.--_Tagaraw_, _Niogniogan_, Tag.; _Tangolon_, Vis.;
_Babebabe_, Pam.; _Tartaraw_, Iloc.
Uses.--The fruit contains a kernel that tastes much like cacao, for
which reason the Tagalogs call it "niogniogan" (like cacao). This
kernel is a powerful anthelmintic, used also in India, the dose for
a child of 4 years being 2-4, pulverized and mixed with a little
molasses or sugar. A large dose produces hiccough, a fact well known
to the natives. Dr. Bouton states that they may cause convulsions
and other similar nervous disorders.
They yield a light green, fixed oil, probably the active principle
of the plant.
Botanical Description.--A climbing shrub, 6-9° high, whose stem is
thickly set with long, opposite thorns. Leaves in stars of 3, oblong,
acute, entire, glabrous. Petioles very short. Flowers white, veined
with red, in axillary spikes. Calyx very long, nearly cylindrical,
5-toothed. Corolla, 5 petals, inserted between the teeth of the
calyx. Stamens 10, inserted on the calyx-tube, shorter than the
corolla, arranged in 2 series, 5 higher than the rest. Style the same
length as the stamens, united throughout nearly its entire length
with the wall of the calyx-tube from which it separates near the
stigma. Stigma rather bulky. Fruit 1' long, ovoid, 5 sharp ridges
in the woody, fragile, mahogany-colored pericarp, which contains a
pointed kernel at one end.
Habitat.--San Mateo, and along the shores of Luzon. Blooms in May.
MYRTACEÆ.
Myrtle Family.
_Psidium pomiferum_, L. (_P. aromaticum_ and _P. pyriferum_, Blanco.)
Nom. Vulg.--_Guayabas_, Sp.; _Bayabas_, _Guayabas_, _Tayabas_, Tag.,
and other dialects; _Guava_, Eng.
Uses.--The green fruit is acid and very astringent. The stage of
development when it is best eaten raw, is just before it ripens, for
then its acidity has lessened, it is not astringent and does not emit
the strong odor, so disagreeable to many, that characterizes the ripe
fruit. When fully ripe it is sweet, non-astringent and very bland,
and this is the stage when it is best for making the jellies and
preserves so popular in the Philippines.
The bark, especially that of the root, is highly astringent
and a decoction of it is used for diarrhoea and as a wash for
ulcers. Dr. Waitz has successfully used the following formula in
treating the chronic diarrhoea of children:
Root bark of guava 15 grams.
Water 180 grams.
Boil till reduced one half. Dose, a tablespoonful every 2 or 3 hours
according to age.
A decoction of the shoots is very useful in stomatitis, cutaneous
eruptions and ulcers. Dr. Waitz advises his formula in prolapsus
recti of children. It is also of value as an injection in diarrhoea
and dysentery.