ponds and sluggish rivers, the same use to which they sometimes put the
"Cocculus Indicus." It is prescribed as an emetic by the Sanscrit and
Arabic medical authors of India. Mooden Sheriff ascribes its emetic
properties to the pulp alone, the epicarp and seeds being inactive
according to his authority. It is a substitute for ipecac even in the
treatment of dysentery in which case the decoction of the trunk bark
is also used.
The dried and powdered pulp is given in dose of 2.50 grams as an
emetic and 1-2 grams as an antidysenteric. To prepare the fresh fruit
for administration as an emetic, mash 2-3, macerate 15 minutes in
150-200 grams of water and filter. It acts in a few minutes and its
effect may be hastened by giving tepid water or tickling the fauces.
Botanical Description.--A shrub with straight, thorny stem, leaves
sessile, springing from the buds, occurring in threes, obtusely
lanceolate, entire, glabrous. Flowers solitary or in pairs, very
fragrant. Calyx gamosepalous with 10 toothlets. Corolla twisted,
arched, cleft in the middle, throat nude, limb slashed in 5 large
glabrous parts. Stamens 5. Filaments short, inserted on corolla. Style
1. Stigma bifid. Fruit inferior, about the size of a crab apple,
crowned by the remains of the calyx, smooth, yellow, fleshy, 1-celled
with many seeds.
Habitat.--On the coast of Luzon. Blooms in May.
_Ixora coccinea_, L. (_I. bandhuca_, Roxb.)
Nom. Vulg.--_Santan_, Tag.
Uses.--The handsome red flowers are used in decoction for hæmoptysis
and catarrhal bronchitis. Both root and flower are astringent and
are given for dysentery. In Concan they cook 2 "tolas" (13.60 grams)
of the flowers in lard, together with coriander and "mesua ferrea,"
add a little candied sugar and divide the mass into large pills to
be given twice a day.
The fresh root in the form of an alcoholic tincture has been
recommended by Deb for dysentery, the dose 2-4 grams in an appropriate
potion. The tincture of the fresh plant is prepared by macerating
126 grams of the fresh root 15 days in 473 grams alcohol. The plant
has been used in intermittent fevers and various skin diseases.
Botanical Description.--A shrub cultivated in all gardens, 6-8°
high. Leaves oval, entire, glabrous. Flowers in terminal umbels, white,
pink or red. Corolla tubular with limb cleft in 4 rounded lobes. The
plant is so well known that further description would be superfluous.
_Coffea Arabica_, L.
Nom. Vulg.--_Cafe_, Sp.; _Coffee_, Eng.
Uses.--The infusion of roasted and ground coffee seeds constitutes
a beverage of Arabic origin, but now common all over the world. In
the Philippines, where a few years ago the coffee plant was only
cultivated in gardens, the harvest has assumed such proportions
that it now constitutes one of the greatest sources of agricultural
wealth. Its use is becoming more general every day and the discovery
of its alkaloid "caffeine" the therapeutical use of which is also
steadily increasing, has given new importance to the seed on account
of its increasing demand in the drug trade. When newly harvested its
taste is not very agreeable, for it needs considerable time--2 or 3
years--in which to dry completely, before it acquires the aromatic
properties and the savor of which it is susceptible. General Morin
relates an incident of having drunk a delicious infusion of coffee
made from authentic Moka that had been kept for fifty years, of course
under ideal conditions of preservation.
In civilized countries coffee is an article of prime necessity as a
food; here we shall consider it therapeutically under two heads, as
a tonic-stimulant and as an antiseptic. As caffeine is the principle
that acts upon the heart we shall consider the cardiac properties of
coffee under the head of that alkaloid, so important that it may best
be studied separately.
There are two preparations of coffee, the decoction used by the Arabs
and the infusion, used in Europe and adopted in the Philippines. The
decoction forms a tonic and aromatic drink devoid of any excitant
properties, but the infusion is highly excitant and should not be
taken in such large amounts as the decoction, for its action may be
powerful enough to cause headache, nausea, trembling of the extremities
and disorders of vision and hearing. These phenomena however are not
dangerous and rapidly subside as soon as the urine eliminates the
substances that cause them.
Infusion of coffee stimulates especially the cerebral functions and
the circulation; as to its digestive properties, opinion is divided
but it is more probable that it lacks them and that coffee taken
after meals owes its reputation as a digestive aid to two distinct
factors--the temperature and the sugar. Without doubt it exerts an
anaphrodisiac action, on account of which the illustrious Linnæus
called it the "drink of eunuchs." This action seems incompatible with
the fact that the Arabs, who are so much given to the abuse of the
pleasures forbidden to eunuchs are most addicted to the use and abuse
of coffee. The explanation rests in the form in which they consume
their coffee, namely the decoction, which is free from the sedative
principle of the seed, that undoubtedly resides in the aromatic
ingredient "cafeol."
Coffee is contraindicated in hysterical and nervous persons, in
children and in those who suffer with insomnia or palpitation. It
counteracts sleep and coma, being very useful in poisoning by opium or
its alkaloids. Its stimulant action is as rapid as that of alcohol. On
several occasions it has yielded me marked results when given by
stomach or by enema in cases of nervous and cardiac depression. Indeed
it is a remedy that I cannot recommend too highly and each day leaves
me more convinced of its therapeutic activity and certainty.
Attention has only lately been directed to the antiseptic property of
coffee though we have long been availing ourselves of that property
without knowing it; this is true of many other medicinal agents,
indeed of all that the modern studies of bacteriology have presented
to us as antifermentives and microbicides. Roasted coffee in powder
form gives good results if dusted over ulcers and gangrenous sores,
rapidly improving their appearance and destroying the foetid odor. It
corrects the unhygienic properties of non-potable water and therefore
enters into the army and navy ration of nearly all the nations of
Europe. In epidemics of disease every physician should advise its
use in mild infusion as a regular beverage.
Dr. Luderitz, experimenting in the Hygienic Institute of Berlin,
reported that no bacteria could resist the action of coffee in
infusion. He attributed this action not only to the tannin, which
is present in high percentage, but principally to the empyreumatic
substances formed by the roasting. The caffeine takes no part in this
action. Dr. Luderitz exposed the coffee to the open air for six days
and found it free from bacteria at the end of that time. Whatever may
be the explanation of its activity the fact remains that coffee is
highly antiseptic, and this should be kept in mind by physicians not
only because it is everywhere easily obtained and an infusion easily
prepared, but because it in addition possesses the great advantage
of being nontoxic.
The chemical analysis of the seed is as follows:
Cellulose 34.000
Water 12.000
Fatty matters 10 to 13.000
Glucose, dextrin, undetermined acid 15.500
Legumin, caffeine 10.000
Chlorogenate of caffeine and potassa 3.500 to 5.000
Albuminoids 3.000
Caffeine, free .800
Essential oil, solid .001
Essential oil, liquid .002
Mineral substances 6.697
Caffeine, the only one of the ingredients that interests us, was
discovered by Hunge in 1821 and recognized as an alkaloid by Herzog. It
also exists in tea, formerly known as "theine" which is now known
to be identical with caffeine; both are expressed by the formula
C_8_H_10_N_2_O_2_+H_2_O. It crystallizes in fine, silky needles,
is colorless, odorless and slightly bitter.
It is considered a substitute for digitalis, especially valuable as
a diuretic and where cerebral anemia exists. Germain See values it
as a preventive medicine, acting principally upon the heart and thus
preventing fatigue; with this end in view he advises its use before
long marches, violent exercise and all conditions where the heart will
be called upon to do a greatly increased amount of work. Dose 0.25
gram to 1 or 2 grams a day given by stomach or hypodermic injection.
Caffeine is also useful in headache, neuralgia, and asthma and as a
general tonic. For the latter action it is best given in pill form,
0.02-0.04 gram a day, with the extract of cinchona or other bitter
tonic.
"Etoxy-caffeine," which is caffeine in which an atom of H has been
replaced by the C_2_H_5_O, exists as white, needle-like crystals,
slightly soluble in water; it is narcotic and sedative to the
cerebro-spinal system. In doses of 0.24 gram it is useful in headache.
Botanical Description.--"A small tree that reaches a height of 8-9°. It
grows readily in the province of Batangas without cultivation," Blanco.
A small tree or shrub with leaves opposite, smooth, glossy, rich green,
oval, edges fluted. Flowers fragrant, white, growing in small clusters
in the axils of the leaves. Calyx 4-5-toothed. Corolla short-tubed with
4-5 spreading lobes of about the same length. Berry red, containing
two plano-convex seeds enveloped in arils.
The plant is widely cultivated in gardens. It finds ideal conditions
for growth in some of the hilly and mountainous regions of Luzon,
notably in Benguet and Batangas.
_Morinda citrifolia_, L.; variety: _bracteata_, Hoock, Jr.
(_M. ligulata_, Blanco.)
Nom. Vulg.--_Bankundo_, _Pankundo_, _Bangkuro_, _Nino_, _Kulit_,
_Tumbongaso_, _Lino_, _Mambog_, _Takpus_, Tag. and Vis.; _Taliantar_,
Pam.; _Apalot_, Iloc.; _Indian Mulberry_, Indo-Eng.
Uses.--In the Philippines, as well as in India, the root of the
plant is widely used as a red dye. As a medicine the Tamul physicians
use it in decoction to treat diarrhoea and dysentery. The fruit is
emmenagogue and perhaps aperient. In Bombay the mashed leaves are
applied to wounds and ulcers to hasten cicatrization; they also use
the decoction internally as a febrifuge and tonic, 10 grams to 500
of water, a wineglassful twice a day.
The root bark contains a crystalline substance called by Anderson
_morindin_, C_28_H_30_O_15_. It is a glucoside and exists in the form
of yellow needles, soluble in alcohol and in cold water, insoluble
in ether; dissolves in alkalies producing an orange-red color.
There is another species, _M. tinctoria_, Roxb.; _M. Royoc_, Blanco,
called in Tagalog _Tumboung aso kapay_, the roots of which are used
by the Filipinos for the same purposes as the leaves of the former
species; the dose, 8 grams a day. The powder is also applied to ulcers
and sores, especially those of gangrenous aspect.
Botanical Description.--A small tree 11 or more feet high, branches
opposite, quadrate at the extremities. Leaves opposite, oval, oblong,
smooth, entire, glabrous. Petioles very short, with 2 broad, lanceolate
stipules curved outward. Flowers white, opposite the leaves, fixed on
globose, solitary receptacles from which spring the flowerets. Calyx
proper, very short, monophyllous, a lanceolate leaflet springing from
the border. Corolla tubular, woolly inside about the middle, with 5
lobules. Stamens 5, inserted on the walls of the corolla. Anthers thin,
incumbent. Pistil somewhat longer than the corolla. Stigma cleft in
2 laminæ. Fruit: the receptacle of the flowerets ripens to a globe
bristling with the remains of the calyces, like a berry covered with
many smaller ones, each containing 2 monospermous, quadrangular seeds.
_M. tinctoria_, Roxb., is a climbing shrub with leaves opposite,
ovate, keeled; petioles very short; flower and fruit like the
foregoing species.
Habitat.--In Luzon and, especially the M. tinctoria, in Malinta,
Calauan and Tanauan.
_Pæderia foetida_, L. (_P. sessiflora_, DC.)
Nom. Vulg.--_Kantutan_, _Kantutæ_, Tag.; _Lilitan_, _Tæ-tæ_, Vis.
Uses.--The foetid odor of this plant has suggested both the
technical and common names for it. The natives regard it as a cure
for rheumatism. The root is emetic. The leaves, boiled and mashed,
are applied to the abdomen in retention of urine; the decoction of
the leaves is used for the same purpose and also has some reputation
as a solvent for vesical calculus. For fever, cloths soaked in the
decoction are applied to the head, the same preparation being given
internally at the same time.
Botanical Description.--A slender, twining plant with leaves 3'
by 1', opposite, oval, acute, entire, long petioles and caducous
stipules. Flowers dark rose color, in compound axillary and terminal
cymes. Calyx of 5 persistent lobules. Corolla tubular, pubescent,
5 lobules. Stamens 5, free. Ovary inferior, flattened, 2 uniovulate
locules. Style with 2 stigma-bearing branches.
Habitat.--Luzon, Mindanao, Cebu, Panay.
COMPOSITÆ.
_Eupatorium Ayapana_, Vent.
Nom. Vulg.--_Aya-pana_, Sp.; _Ayapana_, _Apana_, Tag.; _Ayapan_,
Indo-Eng.
Uses.--A native plant of Brazil now naturalized and well known in the
Philippines and many other tropical countries; it is called by its
Brazilian name, Aya-pana, more or less modified. The entire plant is
aromatic and its infusion has an agreeable, bitter taste. Its virtues
have been much exaggerated, but it is certainly a good stimulant,
diaphoretic and tonic. An infusion, 30 grams of the leaves to 1 liter
of water, is given in dyspepsia, a small cup after each meal. In the
island of Mauritius this infusion was widely used as a stimulant and
aromatic in the cholera epidemics of 1854 and 1856.
It is used internally and locally for the bites of venomous snakes
and insects. The leaf-juice is a good application for foul ulcers,
as is also the decoction of the entire plant. "It appears probable
that this plant has fallen into unmerited neglect."--Pharm. of India.
Botanical Description.--An aromatic plant 3° high, leaves opposite,
sessile, coherent at the base, lanceolate, entire, glabrous. Flowers
in racemose panicles. Common calyx cylindrical, of many imbricated,
awl-shaped scales, the lower ones smaller; within are 20 or more
hermaphrodite disk-flowers. Corollas are funnel-form, 5-lobed. Style a
little longer than the stamens. Stigmas 2, long. Seed 1, quadrangular,
with simple, downy, sessile pappus. Receptacle nude.
Habitat.--Common in fields and gardens. Blooms in January.
_Blumea balsamifera_, DC. (_Conyza balsamifera_, L.)
Nom. Vulg.--_Sambon_, Tag.; _Lakbandulan_, _Hamlibon_, _Lalakdan_,
_Lakadbulan_, _Gintingintin_, _Gabuen_, _Ayoban_, _Alibun_, Vis.;
_Sobsob_, Iloc.
Uses.--Sambon is a panacea among the Filipinos; its virtues are
prodigious according to the ignorant natives who wear the leaves in
the hat or the "salakod" (rain hat), to prevent "tabardillo" ("burning
fever"; tabardillo pintado = spotted fever). They use the decoction
to bathe convalescents, and for rheumatism they vaporize it in an
improvised bath-cabinet consisting of a chair in which the patient sits
enveloped in blankets that reach to the floor and retain the steam.
The hot infusion of the leaves is a good diaphoretic taken by the
mouth, especially useful in catarrhal bronchitis, and prized as an
expectorant by the Chinese and Javanese. Furthermore it is stomachic,
antispasmodic and emmenagogue.
The camphorous odor of the plant suggested to me its application as
an antiseptic lotion for varicose ulcers and my results have been
very satisfactory. The infusion for internal use is 30 grams to the
liter of water.
Botanical Description.--A woody plant 6-9° high. Leaves 1° long,
3' wide, oblong, lanceolate, acutely serrate, rugose, soft, downy,
whitish. Flowers yellow in panicles. Involucre conical, of many
linear scales, enclosing 15 or more hermaphrodite disk-flowers and
several pistillate ray-flowers. Hermaphrodite: corolla infundibuliform,
5-toothed. Pistillate: corolla very minute, infundibuliform, obscurely
4-toothed. One seed crowned with a simple hairy pappus.
Habitat.--Grows universally in the islands and is well known. Blooms
in January.
_Sphoeranthus Indicus_, L. (_S. hirtus_, Willd.; _S. mollis_, Roxb.)
Nom. Vulg.--_Sambong-gala_, Tag.
Uses.--This plant seems to possess anthelmintic properties and for this
purpose it is administered in powder, 2-4 grams with a little molasses
or syrup. It is bitter and aromatic and is given in diseases of the
stomach and intestines for its tonic and stimulant effect. The odor
of the drug is transmitted to both urine and sweat. In India it is
used in "bilious diseases" and to dissipate all sorts of tumors. The
Hindoos cook it with flour, lard and sugar and eat the mixture as
a tonic and to prevent gray hair and baldness. They also give the
seed, fried in oil, as an aphrodisiac. The aqueous distillate is a
good preparation as it contains the active principle of the plant,
a yellow, viscid, essential oil.
Botanical Description.--A plant about 1° high, stem and branches
bearing 3 serrate wings. Leaves premorse, lanceolate, decurrent,
downy. Flowers white, in a globose head, divided into 50 or more
groups each with its own calyx of 9 or 10 leaflets surrounding 2 or 3
hermaphrodite, 5-toothed, campanulate flowers. Anthers 5, united. Style
1, thick at extremity. Stigma none. Corolla of pistillate flowers very
minute, with 3 obscure teeth. Stigma of 2 down-curved divisions. One
seed, 4-angled, imbricated.
Habitat.--The rice fields. Blooms in January.
_Spilanthes Acmella_, L.
Nom. Vulg.--_Hagonog_, Tag.; _Agonoy_, Sp.-Fil., Vis.(?); _Palunay_,
Pam.
Uses.--Some native herb-doctors use the root as a purgative, giving a
decoction of 4-8 grams to a cup of water. The infusion is used locally
for itch and psoriasis. Internally it has a diuretic effect and is
reputed to be a solvent of vesical calculi. The leaf juice and the
bruised leaves are applied to wounds and atonic ulcers. These leaves
with those of "sambon" and "sampaloc" (tamarind) are used to prepare
aromatic baths for convalescents, rheumatics and pregnant women.
Botanical Description.--A plant with stem drooping, square,
grooved, covered with drops of gum resin. Leaves opposite, cordate,
oval, lanceolate, serrate, 3 prominent nerves covered with short
down. Petioles short, grooved. Flowers yellow, in a sort of umbel,
with 3 or more flowerets on long peduncles. Common calyx, 9-11 narrow
sepals, concave, fleshy, in 2 rows. Hermaphrodite disk-flowers 40 or
more. Corolla tubular, 5-toothed. Anthers longer than corolla. Pistil
longer than stamens. Style bifid. Pistillate flowers, 15 or more,
forming the rays. Corolla monopetalous, 3-toothed. Style and stigma as
in hermaphrodite flowers. Seeds of hermaphrodite flowers quadrangular,
crowned by one long awn, and the rudiment of another. Seeds of ray
flowers small and sometimes flattened, 2 awns, of which one alone
lengthens and becomes conspicuous. Receptacle covered with concave
scales.
Habitat.--Grows along the shores of the sea and of rivers. It is very
well known.
_Artemisia vulgaris_, L. (_A. Indica_, Willd.)
Nom. Vulg.--_Ka-María_, _Santa María_, _Tinisas_, Tag.; _Indian
Wormwood_, Indo-Eng.
Uses.--The native women use the infusion of its aromatic leaves to
induce menstruation. It is also used as an abortifacient, but is too
mild a uterine stimulant to be reliable for that purpose. Its stomachic
and tonic properties are common knowledge in the Philippines. The
Hindoos use it for those effects and as an antispasmodic in amenorrhoea
and hysteria. Dr. Wight states that the leaves and tops are useful
in nervous troubles resulting from debility and that a decoction of
them makes a good fomentation for phagedenic ulcers.
The infusion is prepared in the proportion of 10-30 grams of leaves
to 1 liter of water and the powdered leaves are given in doses of
4-8 grams; the aqueous extract 30-40 grams a day. For amenorrhoea
the drug is given daily for a week preceding the menstrual date.
Botanical Description.--A plant 3° high, stem straight, woody, square
toward ends of branches. Leaves alternate, tomentose, decurrent,
divided in several places, medium lanceolate. Flowers straw-colored,
in axillary and terminal, 1-ranked spikes. Common calyx cylindrical, 2
circles of oval, scarious leaflets around its border, 11 hermaphrodite
disk-flowers and about 5 pistillate ray-flowers. Hermaphrodite: Corolla
bell-shaped, 5 obtuse teeth; stigmas 2, bent to the sides. Pistillate:
Corolla diminutive, 5 toothlets; anther none; stigmas 2. Seeds of
both small and quadrate, smaller in the latter. Receptacle nude.
Habitat.--Grows throughout the islands and is well known.
_Carthamus tinctorius_, L.
Nom. Vulg.--_Azafrán de la tierra_, Sp.; _Biri_, _Kasubha_, _Katsumba_,
_Lago_, Tag.; _Kasabba_, Vis.; _Kasubha_, _Kastumba_, Pam.; _Bastard
Saffron_, _Dyer's Safflower_, Eng.
Uses.--This plant must not be confounded with _Curcuma longa_, L.,
whose tuber is also frequently called saffron (azafrán), and is used
to color food.
The flower is the part employed as a condiment coloring the
food yellow. Some use them internally in doses of 4 grams to cure
icterus. The leaves coagulate milk. The seeds are purgative in dose of
8-16 grams, bruised and taken in emulsion, or 15-30 grams in decoction.
The following is the chemical analysis of the plant:
Yellow coloring matter, soluble 26.1-36.0
Carthamic acid 0.3- 0.6
Extractive matter 3.6- 6.5
Albumin 1.5- 8.0
Wax 0.6- 1.5
Cellulose, pectin 38.4-56.0
Silica 1.0- 8.4
Oxide of iron, aluminum, oxide of manganese 0.4- 4.6
(Salvetat.)
Botanical Description.--A plant 3° high, root gray and
spindle-shaped. Stem straight, few branches. Leaves scattered,
sessile, partially embracing the stem, lanceolate, serrate with
hooked teeth. Flowers yellow, terminal in a sort of corymb. Common
calyx semiglobose, with imbricated scales, the border often bearing
thorns; numerous hermaphrodite disk flowers, with corolla very
long, funnel-form, 5-toothed. Style longer than the stamens. Stigma
bifid. Seed large, lacking pappus.
Habitat.--Cultivated in the gardens.
PLUMBAGINEÆ.
Leadwort Family.
_Plumbago Zeylanica_, L. (_P. viscosa_, Blanco.)
Nom. Vulg.--_Sagdikit_, Tag.; _Bagbag_, _Talankaw_, Iloc.;
_White-flowered Leadwort_, Eng.
Uses.--The root is vesicant and is used by the natives for this
purpose. (_P. rosea_, L., common in India, is more powerful. The
Pharmacopoeia of India states that both species are worthy of further
investigation.) According to the Sanscrit authors it increases the
appetite and is useful in dyspepsia, piles, dropsy, diarrhoea and
skin diseases. The Filipinos use the infusion locally for itch with
good results. A favorite medicine of the Hindoos for flatulence is
the old recipe of Susrutas, composed of equal parts of the following
substances in powder:
Leadwort root, root of _Cissampelos Pareira_, _Picrorrhiza kurroa_,
[6] _Aconitum heterophyllum_,1 and _Terminalia Chebula_ in dose of
4 grams a day.
Dr. Oswald has employed the alcoholic tincture of leadwort in the
intermittents, with satisfactory results, and claims that it is a
powerful diaphoretic. [7] The mashed root is mixed with rice flour
and made into a caustic paste to apply to buboes, destroy warts,
etc. Women also use the scraped root to induce abortion, introducing
it through the vagina into the _os uteri_. This practice should be
strongly condemned on account of its dangerous consequences--metritis,
peritonitis and often death.