Figwort Family.
_Limnophila menthastrum,_ Benth. (_Tala odorata_, Blanco.)
Nom. Vulg.--_Tala_, _Taramhampam_, Tag.; _Talatala_, Pam.; _Taratara_,
Iloc.
Uses.--An infusion of the leaves is given as a diuretic and digestive
tonic. The plant is aromatic. It is seldom used, but is given for
the same troubles and in the same doses as chamomile and _Eupatorium
Ayapana_.
Botanical Description.--A plant 1° high, with leaves opposite,
lanceolate, ovate, serrate, hairy, many small pits on the
lower face. Flowers rose color, solitary, sessile. Calyx, 5 sharp
teeth. Corolla tubular, curved, compressed, downy within, limb cleft in
4 unequal lobes. Stamens didynamous. Ovary conical. Style shorter than
the stamens. Stigma 3-lobuled. Seed vessel, 2 multiovulate chambers.
Habitat.--Known universally. Blooms in June.
BIGNONIACEÆ.
Bignonia Family.
_Oroxylum Indicum_, Vent. (_Bignonia Indica_, L.; _B. quadripinnata_,
Blanco; _Colosanthes Indica_, Bl.)
Nom. Vulg.--_Pinkapinkahan_, _Pinkapinka_, _Taghilaw_, _Abangabang_,
Tag.; _Abangabang_, Vis.
Uses.--The Hindoos consider the trunk bark an astringent and tonic
and use it commonly in diarrhoea and dysentery. In Bombay it has a
wide use in veterinary practice as an application for the sore backs
of the domestic cattle. Sarangadhara recommends for diarrhoea and
dysentery the infusion of the roasted bark mixed with infusion of
_Bombax malabaricum_.
Dr. Evers experimented with the powder and an infusion of the bark
obtaining a strong diaphoretic action. He obtained the same effect
with baths containing the bark and reported successful results in thus
treating 24 cases of rheumatism. The dose of the powder was 0.30-1 gram
a day in 3 doses; the infusion (30 grams bark to 300 boiling water),
90 grams a day in 3 doses. Combined with opium it had more pronounced
diaphoretic effects than the compounds of opium and ipecac. The plant
possesses no febrifuge properties.
Botanical Description.--A tree, 5-6 meters high, trunk straight,
hollow, the hollow space containing many thin partitions covered with
small points; branches opposite. Leaves 4 times odd pinnate. Leaflets
obliquely ovate, acute, entire, glabrous. Flowers in racemes with
long, primary peduncles, large, fleshy, lurid, violet color, odor
mawkish. Calyx inferior, cylindrical, monophyllous, entire. Corolla
much longer than calyx, fleshy, bell-shaped, 5-lobed. Stamens 5, all
fertile, fixed on the corolla, nearly equal in height. Style longer
than stamens, flattened. Stigma cleft in 2 flat leaves. Silique or
pod about 3° long and 2' wide, flattened, borders grooved and curved
downward, containing a great number of seeds encircled by a broad,
flat, imbricated wing.
Habitat.--Common in many parts of Luzon, in Mindanao, Cebú and Paragua.
PEDALIACEÆ.
Pedalium Family.
_Sesamum Indicum_, L.
Nom. Vulg.--_Ajonjoli_, Sp.; _Lingá_, Tag.; _Longá_, Vis.; _Langis_,
Pam.; _Sesamé_, Indo-Eng. (_Benné Oil_, _Til Oil_, _Jinjili Oil_.)
Uses.--The leaves are emollient and in the Philippines, India and
the Southern States of North America they are commonly used to make
poultices, as a substitute for linseed.
The decoction is prescribed internally as an emmenagogue and demulcent
and externally as a lotion. It has the reputation of stimulating the
growth of the hair and is used for this purpose quite commonly by
the women of India.
The seeds are emollient, laxative, diuretic and emmenagogue; they
contain an oil to which we shall refer presently. In some countries
they form an article of diet; in the Philippines they are much
used as a condiment. Waring reports good results in amenorrhoea,
adding a handful of the bruised seeds to a hot sitz-bath. Two or
3 dessert-spoonfuls of the seeds eaten fasting and washed down
with a glass of water, are very efficient in chronic constipation,
both by their mechanical effect and the oil they contain; being
non-irritant they are especially indicated in cases of constipation
with hemorrhoids.
The seeds contain up to 45% of oil known in the Philippines under the
name of _lana_, an Ilocano word meaning "oil." It is bright yellow,
viscid, does not easily become rancid and is used for illuminating
purposes in some Philippine provinces. In Japan and among the poor
of India it serves as a food; in the latter country it is also very
commonly used as a cosmetic, perfumed with various essences and used
to anoint the hair and the body after the bath. In America it is given
in place of castor oil in doses of 30-60 grams. In pharmacy it may be
properly substituted for olive oil, especially in Linimentum Calcis
prepared for burns.
Botanical Description.--A plant 2-4° high, stem straight, square,
grooved. Leaves trifoliate. Leaflets lanceolate, serrate, slightly
downy. Common petiole long; secondary petiole very short. Flowers
pinkish white, in spikes, each flower bearing 2 small glands. Calyx
with 2 bracts at the base, top-shaped, monophyllous, 5 lanceolate
teeth. Corolla large, 5-lobed, bell-shaped, expanded in the middle
where it is spattered with small spots. Stamens didynamous. Anthers
long. Ovary downy, quadrangular. Style same length as stamens. Stigma
bifid. Seed vessel quadrangular, elongated, 4 opposite grooves,
4 chambers each containing many small ovoid seeds.
Habitat.--Universal. Blooms in October.
ACANTHACEÆ.
Acanthus Family.
_Acanthus ilicifolius, L._
Nom. Vulg.--_Diliwariw_, _Dolo-ariw_, _Tinglog_, _Lagiwlagiw_, Tag.;
_Titiw_, Vis.; _Dulawari_, Pam.
Uses.--We are not familiar with the medicinal uses of this plant in
the Philippines, but believe that its sole use is in the soap-making
industry; the ash of the plant is rich in soda and potash salts and
lye is prepared from it.
In Goa the leaves, rich in mucilage, are used locally in fomentations
for rheumatism and neuralgia. Rheede mentions as useful the application
of the bruised sprouts to snake bites. Bontius attributes expectorant
properties to the plant. The natives of Siam and Cochin China use it
as a cordial and as a medicine for paralysis and asthma.
In Concan the sweetened decoction of the plant with a little cumin
seed is given for dyspepsia with pyrosis.
Botanical Description.--A plant about 3° high, stem straight, beset
with sharp eminences. Leaves opposite, membranaceous, lanceolate,
pinnatifid, large teeth ending in prickles. Petioles very short, 2
thorns at the base. Flowers purplish white in spikes. Calyx double;
the outer one of 2 parts, the inner 4. Corolla bell-shaped, lower
lip broad, keeled, fleshy, notched above. Upper lip wanting, a notch
in its place. Stamens 4, didynamous. Ovary superior, conical. Style
of equal length with stamens. Stigma bifid. Seed vessels 2-celled,
each cell with 2 heart-shaped, flattened, rough seeds.
Habitat.--Very common in regions inundated by salt water.
_Barleria Prionitis, L._ (_Barreliera Prionitis_, Blanco.)
Nom. Vulg.--_Kokongmanok_, _Kulanta_, Tag.
Uses.--This plant is not used medicinally in the Philippines. The
natives of Bombay are accustomed to use its juice to anoint the soles
of their feet during the rainy season in order to toughen the skin
and prevent fissures due to prolonged maceration.
The leaf juice is bitter and acid; it is a favorite with the natives
of India in the treatment of the catarrhal fevers common among their
children, administered in doses of 2 tablespoonfuls a day mixed with
sweetened water.
In Concan the dry bark is given for whooping-cough and the juice of the
fresh bark in doses of 2 "tolas" (7.60 grams) for anasarca. Dr. Bidie
states that the action is diaphoretic and expectorant.
Botanical Description.--A plant 2-3° high, stem creeping, the ends
rising; enlarged at the joints, glabrous. Leaves smooth, opposite,
lanceolate, finely serrate, fringed, somewhat downy below, glabrous
above. Petioles short, 4 axillary spines. Flowers straw-color,
axillary, sessile, solitary. Calyx deeply cleft in 4 parts, ovate,
ending in spines. Corolla funnel-shaped, tube short, throat nude,
limb 5-lobed. Stamens 4, didynamous. Ovary 2-celled. Style same length
as stamens. Seed-vessel ovate, flattened and sharp-pointed, 2-celled,
each cell with a flat, heart-shaped seed.
Habitat.--In Guadalupe, Mandaloyon and San Juan del Monte. Blooms
in April.
_Justicia Gendarussa_, L. (_Gandarussa vulgaris_, Nees.; _Dianthera
subserrata_, Blanco.)
Nom. Vulg.--_Kapanitulot_, Tag.; _Bunlaw_, Vis.
Uses.--In the Philippines this plant has the same applications as
the _Lagundi_ or _Vitex_, soon to be described. In India they give a
decoction of the leaves for chronic rheumatism, the action probably
being diaphoretic. The juice is employed for the coughs of childhood
and externally as a resolvent for enlarged cervical glands. The bark
of the young branches has a purplish color; in Java it is considered
a good emetic.
Botanical Description.--A shrub 5-6° high, stem straight, branches
smooth, obscurely 4-angled. Stems and leaves violet color, emitting
a disagreeable odor (Blanco). Leaves opposite, lanceolate, acute,
glabrous, obtusely serrate. Flowers terminal, white-green, in
racemes of 3 sessile flowers with lanceolate bracts. Calyx, 5 long
teeth. Corolla, short tube, 2-lipped, upper lip notched, lower lip
broad with palate, ending in 3 lobules. Seed vessel with 4 seeds in
its lower part.
Habitat.--Luzon, Mindanao, Panay.
_Adhatoda vasica_, Nees. (_Justicia Adhatoda_, L.)
Nom. Vulg.--(?)
Uses.--The Filipinos are but slightly familiar with this plant and it
has no place in their therapeutical armamentarium. In India, however,
it is very common and enjoys much reputation in the treatment of
catarrhs, the grip, asthma and non-febrile, especially chronic,
bronchial affections. The flowers, leaves and roots, but especially
the flowers, possess antispasmodic properties and are prescribed
in certain forms of asthma; they are bitter and slightly aromatic,
and are given in infusion or electuary.
Drs. Jackson and Dott have testified from their own experience to
the usefulness of the drug in chronic bronchitis, asthma and afebrile
catarrh. Dr. Watt states that the natives of Bengal find relief for
asthma in smoking the leaves. In Bombay its expectorant action is
commonly known and its juice is used, mixed with borax and honey.
The dose of the aqueous extract made by evaporating the juice of the
leaves, is .25-1 gram. The tincture is preferable, made by dissolving
this extract in alcohol; dose 2-4 grams. Its efficiency is increased
by the addition of pepper seeds (Waring). The Sanscrit writers
recommend for cough, 3.80 grams of the leaf juice with honey. "It is
very desirable that further trials be made to test the value of this
remedy."--Pharmacopoeia of India.
Botanical Description.--A shrub with straight, smooth, ashy-gray
trunk. Branches of same color but smoother. Leaves opposite,
lanceolate, acute, smooth on both faces, 12-15 cm. long by 3-4 broad,
petioles short. Flowers irregular and hermaphrodite in axillary spikes
with long peduncles, opposite, large, white, covered with rusty spots,
the lower part of the 2 lips purple. Calyx gamosepalous, regular,
five deep clefts. Corolla gamopetalous, irregular, short tube, limb
2-lipped, the lower lip ending in a spur. Ovary free, 2-celled, each
cell containing 2 ovules. Style filiform, long, inserted in a sort of
canal formed by the upper lip of the corolla. Stigma bilobulate. Seed
vessel depressed, 4 flattened, lenticular seeds.
Habitat.--Luzon and Panay.
_Rhinacanthus communis_, Nees. (_Justicia nasuta_, L.)
Nom. Vulg.--_Tagaktagak_, Tag.; _Nagamulli_, Indo-Eng.
Uses.--The plant has much reputation in India in the treatment of skin
diseases, and indeed its efficiency is great in the stubborn _Tinea
circinata tropica_, known throughout the Orient as "dhobie-itch." In
this disease it is applied for several days to the affected part
in the form of a paste composed of the bruised leaves, the juice of
the leaves and lemon juice. The fresh root also may be employed. The
Hindoo physicians state that the root decoction in milk is aphrodisiac;
the root is also regarded as an antidote for the bite of the "cobra
da cabelho," but its virtue is purely imaginary. Of late years the
plant has been used in Europe under the name of "tong-pang-chong,"
to treat chronic eczema.
Liborius made an analysis of the root in the laboratory of Dorpat,
separating 13.51% ash and 1.87% _rhinocanthin_, as well as other
ingredients. Rhinocanthin (C_14_H_18_O_4_) is supposed to be the active
principle of the root. It is analogous to quinon and resembles in many
particulars chrysophanic and frangulic acids. It forms a resinous,
amorphous mass, cherry red, odorless and tasteless, slightly soluble in
water, forming a mildly alkaline solution in alcohol. It does not yield
glucose when boiled with dilute hydrochloric acid. Liborius believes
that it exists only in the intercellular spaces of the "root bark."
Botanical Description.--A shrub, about 4° high, stem ash-colored,
no spines. Leaves lanceolate, undulate, downy. Flowers white in
spikes. Calyx gamosepalous, 5-toothed. Corolla long, filiform, limb
4-lobed, the 3 lower lobes ovate, the upper pointed. Stamens 2. Ovary
free, 2 biovulate locules. Style simple. Stigma bifid. Seed vessel
club-shaped, 4 seeds in the upper part.
Habitat.--Common in the gardens of Manila.
VERBENACEÆ.
Vervain Family.
_Lippia nodiflora_, Rich. (_Verbena nodiflora_, L.; _V. capitata_,
Blanco.)
Nom. Vulg.--_Tsatsatsatsahan_, _Chachachachahan_, Tag.
Uses.--The Filipinos drink an infusion of the leaves in place of tea,
the long Tagalog name meaning "resembling tea." In India they drink
the hot infusion to aid digestion. In some places the decoction of the
leaves is given internally as an emollient and diuretic for gonorrhoea.
Botanical Description.--A small plant with creeping stem taking root
where it touches the ground, obscurely angular, covered with short
down. Leaves opposite, smooth, clasping the stem, inversely ovate,
serrate only above, slightly downy. Flowers white, slightly purplish,
axillary on a common peduncle, in a rough conical head. Corolla
somewhat bowed, funnel-form, gaping, throat narrow, limb 4-lobed,
one lobe shorter than the rest. Stamens 4, 2 longer. Filament almost
wanting. Anthers 4, fertile. Ovary superior, style very short. Stigma
semi-globose. Fruit, 2 seeds covered by the pellicle of the ovary.
Habitat.--Very common in the rice fields.
_Tectona grandis_, L.
Nom. Vulg.--_Teca_, Sp.; _Tikla_, Tag.; _Dalondón_, _Yate_, _Kalayati_,
Vis.; _Teak Tree_, Eng.
Uses.--The powdered wood made into a paste with water is undoubtedly a
useful application in acute dermatitis, especially that due to contact
with the caustic oleo-resin of the cashew nut (_Anacardium_). A
decoction of the powder gives good results as a gargle for aphthæ,
gingivitis, and other inflammations within the buccal cavity. In India
they give internally 6-12 grams as a vermifuge, and for dyspepsia with
"heartburn."
The flowers are diuretic according to Endlicher; the bark is
astringent; the leaves and the seeds are purgative, the latter
yielding an oil which they use in India to stimulate the growth of
the hair. Gibson considers the seeds diuretic and quotes two cases
where abundant diuresis immediately followed by the application of a
poultice of the bruised seeds over the pubis. In Concan they make a
sort of extract from the wood and apply it to the yoke sores of the
cattle to prevent the growth of maggots. This disinfectant action
marks the plant as worthy of further experiment.
Rumphius is authority for the statement that the infusion of the leaves
is used in cholera. The Chinese make vessels of the wood to preserve
their drinking water at sea; the first and second waters are bitter
and are thrown away, but after that the water has no disagreeable
taste and is said to aid digestion.
It has been said that the wood was poisonous because at one time
several workmen died from the effects of wounds caused by splinters of
the wood, but the statement has not been confirmed by later cases and
the deaths were most probably due to a septic infection independent
of the chemical composition of the splinters.
R. Romanis has extracted a resin from the wood by alcohol; it is soft,
and on distillation yields a crystalline body called by the author
_tectoquinon_ (C_18_H_10_O_2_), on account of its resemblance to
the quinons. It melts at 171° and volatilizes slightly at ordinary
temperature.
Botanical Description.--A tree with leaves almost round, oval,
entire, 30-60 centimeters by 20-40, the under surface covered
with hoary down. Petioles very short, flattened. Flowers in
panicles. Primary peduncle square. Calyx inferior, bell-shaped,
very large when ripe, 5-cleft. Corolla white, longer than calyx,
covered with a mealy substance, bell-shaped, 5-lobed. Stamens 5 or 6,
inserted in the corolla. Filaments flattened, somewhat longer than the
corolla. Anthers semi-globose, a yellow zone below and a black circle
above. Ovary free, rounded, 4 locules each with 1 seed. Style same
length as stamens. Stigma bilobulate. Drupe globose, woolly, spongy,
depressed, covered by the membranous inflated calyx; contains one nut,
very hard, 4 apartments each containing one seed.
Habitat.--The mountains of Morong and Tanay (of La Laguna Province)
bear some specimens. Very common in the island of Negros and in
Mindanao. It also grows in the Visayas, Mindora and Paragua. Blooms
in September.
_Vitex trifolia_, L. (_V. repens_, Blanco.)
Nom. Vulg.--_Lagundi_, Tag.; _Gapasgapas_, Vis.; _Dangla_, Iloc.
_Vitex Negundo_, L. (_V. Leucoxylon_, Blanco.)
Nom. Vulg.--_Lagundi_, _Malawin_, Tag.
Uses.--Both species are used medicinally in the Philippines and both
enjoy high repute. A variety of the first that seems to possess the
same virtues is the _V. repens_, Blanco, called _lagunding gapang_
by the Tagalos.
_V. trifolia_ is regarded in India as the most powerful species and
Bontius has extolled it highly, calling attention to the anodyne,
diuretic and emmenagogue properties of the leaves. These are very
effective applied in fomentation to rheumatic joints and their use
is extensive both in India and the Malay Archipelago. A decoction
of the leaves is used locally and as a vapor-bath in the treatment
of beriberi. A large earthen pot is filled with leaves and water and
brought to a boil; the pot is then placed under a chair in which the
patient sits enveloped in a sheet or blanket. If necessary the pot may
be removed 2 or 3 times, heated and replaced until abundant sweating
is induced. An apparatus to conduct the steam under the chair would
be much handier, but it is unsafe to place a small stove or lamp
under the chair for fear of setting fire to the cloth.
In India and the Philippines there is a peculiar inflammation localized
in the soles of the feet and characterized by an intense burning
rather than pain, not described in the textbooks, but called by the
natives "burning of the feet" ("quemadura del pié" or "ignipedites");
in our own experience and according to the consensus of the physicians
of India, the application of these leaves 3 or 4 times a day to the
soles of the feet has afforded marked relief. The leaves are heated
in an earthen pot without the addition of water, and when sufficiently
hot are applied and held in place by a bandage.
Dr. W. Ingledew states that the natives of Mysore (south of
India) treat rheumatism and febrile catarrhs by steam baths of the
decoction of vitex. A decoction of the leaves is in common use in
the Philippines, Malay Islands and India as a bath for women in the
puerperal state.
The dry leaves are smoked for headache and catarrh. According to
creditable authority the application of the heated leaves in orchitis
produces good results. The root is tonic, febrifuge and expectorant
and the fruit nervine and emmenagogue according to the Sanscrit writer.
Botanical Description.--_V. trifolia_ is a small tree, 3-4
meters high. The fruit and leaves are said to emit the odor of
rosemary. Leaves ternate. Leaflets oval, entire, hoary below, no
secondary petioles. Flowers purplish in forked panicle. Corolla
bell-shaped with palate. The lower lip 3-lobed, the middle lobe
larger; upper lip smaller, 2-lobed. Stamens 4, free, didynamous. Ovary
free. Style simple, with stigma-bearing lobules. Berry-like drupe,
with 4-celled nut, one seed in each cell.
Habitat.--Common on the seashore. Blooms in June.
The _V. Negundo_ is a small tree like the preceding, but when
it grows in the forest it develops to a tree of the first order,
yielding a valuable building wood called _molave_ (Sp.) or more
properly _molawin_. Leaves compound with 5 leaflets. Secondary
petioles short. Flowers in dichotomous panicle. Fruit like that of
the foregoing species.
_Clerodendron infortunatum_, L. (_C. fortunatum_, Blanco.)
Nom. Vulg.--_Kasupangit_, _Gubat_, Tag.; _Saling-wak_, Vis.
Uses.--The fresh juice of the leaves is used in India as a vermifuge,
according to K. L. Dey; it is also used as a bitter tonic in malarial
fever, especially of children. As a tonic and antipyretic it is
certainly worthy of recommendation.
Dr. Bholanauth Bose calls attention to this plant as a good substitute
for _Ophelia chirata_, DC. as a tonic and antipyretic.
The infusion of the bruised leaves (10 grams to water 300 cc.) is given
up to 200 cc. a day in 3 or 4 doses; the tincture (leaves 60 grams,
alcohol 90 %, 500 cc.) is given up to 10 grams a day in 5 or 6 doses.
Botanical Description.--A shrub with nearly round stem; leaves
opposite, ovate, oblong; acute, entire, slightly downy. Flowers
terminal in umbellate panicles, the umbellets opposite and each bearing
3 flowerets. Calyx bluish, long, tubular, somewhat expanded in the
middle, divided in 5 parts. Corolla twice as long as the calyx, tube
filiform, limb 5-lobed. Stamens didynamous, their lower parts grown
to the tube of the corolla. Filaments longer than the corolla. Ovary
conical. Style of same length as the stamens. Stigma bifid. Berry
dry, quadrate, depressed, the shell hard, 4 grooves, 4 cells, each
containing a seed.
Habitat.--Very common in Manila and in the forests.
LABIATÆ.
Mint Family.
_Ocimum basilicum_, L. (_O. Americanum_, Blanco.)
Nom. Vulg.--_Solasi_, Tag., Pam.; _Bonak_, Vis.; _Sweet Basil_, Eng.
_Ocimum gratissimum_, L. (_O. virgatum_ Blanco.)
Nom. Vulg.--_Lokoloko_, Tag., Pam.; _Kolonkogon_, Vis.
_Ocimum sanctum_, L. (_O. flexuosum_, Blanco.)
Nom. Vulg.--_Balanay_, Tag.; _Sacred Basil_, Eng.
Uses.--All three species possess a characteristic camphoraceous
odor and are commonly grouped under the one name, _albahacas_
(sweet basil). Some natives call them _solasi_ and others _balanay_,
but many are able to distinguish the various species correctly. All
three have analogous properties, but the most widely used is the
_O. basilicum_. These properties are stimulant, diaphoretic, and
expectorant, and the infusion is used commonly for flatulent colic
and painful dyspepsia. The dry powdered leaves of the _O. sanctum_ are
taken as snuff by the natives of India in the treatment of a curious
endemic disease characterized by the presence of small maggots in the
nasal secretion; this disease is called peenash, and possibly exists
in the Philippines though I have never encountered it.
Martins states that in Brazil they use a decoction of the mucilaginous
leaves of the _O. gratissimum_ in the treatment of gonorrhoea and
Dr. Waitz highly recommends a strong decoction of these leaves for the
aphthæ of children, which he claims to have cured by this means after
all European drugs had failed. This fact and the action of the snuff
above mentioned, demonstrate the antiseptic properties of the plant,
due doubtless to its abundant aromatic principles.