PRESIDENTIAL ADDRESS IN PHARMACOLOGY AND INDIGENOUS DliUGS. By George Watt, m.d., c.h., c.t.e., p.l.s.,
Corresponding Member of the Pharmaceutical Society and of the lloyal Horticultural Society of Great Britain ; Officier d Academie, etc.
Gentlemen,?When the Central Committee did me the honour to invite me to become one of the Presidents of this Congress, I confess it was with a feeling of considerable diffidence that I accepted that position. Though I have been en craved in this country on scientific tions0 during the past 20 years, I investigahave not practised the profession of medicine, I therefore hesitated whether or not I could lay before you facts of personal experience that were likely to prove of value. My duties as Reporter on Economic Products to the Government of India require me, however, to investigate the sources of supply of the articles of Indian trade, and naturally I am brought among other kindred subjects into contact with questions connected with Indigenous Drugs. I trust my distinguished colleague, ftai Bahadur Kanny Lall Dey, C.I.E., may not regard me as trespassing, however, into the domain with which his name has been honourably associated for so many years, when I propose to direct your attention to certain matters connected with the indigenous of India.
drugs
Jan.
1895.]
INDIAN MEDICAL CONGRESS.
Gentlemen, in placing before you a few personal observations and results of certain investhe indigenous drugs, I desire you to understand that I purposely leave untouched two lines of enquiry > viz., the Classic and the Therapeutic. Indeed, I venture to think that we have lost much time and many valuable opportunities through the energies of the distinguished investigators who have adorned the century that is now rapidly drawing to a close, having been disproportionately directed to solving the mystery of the classically famed drugs, the names of which have come to us through a vista of ages and dynasties since the Sanskrit speaking race first invaded and peopled the Peninsula of Hindustan. I am fully aware that there are questions of great importance and interest, intimately associated with the solution of such historic problems, but these have little more than a passing bearing on the Science of Medicine. Were we to add a new economic product to our list of useful plants, by solving the mystery of the Soma, then the position would be entirely different to that which I desire to recommend to your consideration. But the fact that we are now unable to recognize the much famed Soma might, indeed, be held as showing that either its properties had been purely suppositious, or that the plant had disappeared from the world. The controversy that it is very possibly this plant or that, since each theory can be supported by circumstances laboriously and cleverly worked out, may be instructive and may tend to elucidate obscure points of language, ethnology or history, but how much of the controversy can be held as advancing the science of pharmacology ? So, again, the transference of names from one object to another may be said to be an all too frequently inherent consequence of the progression of the human mind. It can be demonstrated as having taken place, and as taking place now in every field of thought, with the result that the Soma lata of the present day need have little more than a superficial resemblance to the ancient article, if, indeed, the modern usage of that name be anything more than a pure coincidence. To give a place in our Pharmacopoeia to drugs, because of probabilities and coincidences of the nature indicated, would obviously be unwise. We may be interested in speculations such as that indulged in by Dr. Wise in his two-volumed work entitled " A Review of the History of Medicine," but how much do we advance the healing art of to-day by demonstrating that the knowledge of disease and its treatment came originally to India from Arabia or was dispersed in the opposite direction ? While not, however, desiring to minimise or to speak disparagingly even of the value of such philosophical and philological investigations, it seems to me that we would do well to call for
tigations in connection with
21
attention being given in the future to the medical knowledge that actually exists and is practised in India at the present time, Ever since the British Government established its administration in this great Empire, Western thought and Western science lias been undermining, and one might almost say sapping, the life out of the hereditary arts and sciences The British may in fact of this country. be viewed as having come to India as the pioneers of a new civilization?a civilization that has much to recommend it. In their enthusiasm they have occasionally, however, been carried beyond the true position of reformers in that they have here and there been guilty of the neglect to recognize the principles that gave vitality to a civilization that had stood the test of centuries. We have as it were been stooping to the reformed instead of raising to the level of the reformer. We have studiously imparted the little that could be absorbed, instead of developing the much that was of value, and that wanted but the helping hand of evolution and adaptation to be, indeed, of equal value with exotic conceptions and means. The effect of all this has not unnaturally come about that much is being lost that with great advantage might be preserved. A child-like dependence is rapidly taking the place of selfhelp, which in no department is more to be deplored than in that of the knowledge of indigenous drugs. As it seems to me, therefore, we must bestir ourselves if we do not wish to see India lose very materially the knowledge which she possesses?a knowledge, too, which it is probable she might in many directions beneficially impart to the rest of the world. This danger, gentlemen, I trust you will agree with me, is undoubtedly great, when the subjects of enquiry that have filled the minds of the few who have turned their attention to the indigenous drugs have been very largely historic and philologic investigations. The absorbing theme under these conditions becomes the past not the present knowledge. In consequence one might be prepared to make, what would, of course, be regarded as a useless challenge, viz., that given a few months' study in any one province, a catalogue of the indigenous drugs in daily use by the people could be prepared which would contain twice as many articles of that nature as are enumerated in any similar work already in existence. I make this statement, gentlemen, advisedly, because my object is to impress upon you that there is a rich field for exploration in the drugs actually used by the people of India, more especially the drugs in use by distant village communities and aboriginal tribes. In illustration of this view I shall endeavour to lay before you a few of the results of a rapid tour which I have only just completed through certain districts of the Punjab and the Central Provinces. But I
greater
22
INDIAN MEDICAL GAZETTE.
[Jan.
1895.
us are remarkably do not single these out as very especially deserv- the best informed among the drugs of the domestic ignorant regarding of your consideration, but simply to show the ing life of the people of India. impossibility that exists of throwing oneself With these observations I may, therefore, -among the rural communities of India without the subject of the Indian herbalist, and dismiss learning from them something of interest. with your permission shall place before you a These remarks, therefore, lead me to the second few examples of drugs procured by me very of subject investigation, which, as a rule, I do either in the jungles or from the vilnot pursue, and upon which, therefore, I am un- personally stores during a tour in the Kangra drug lage qualified to give an opinion, viz., the determina- Distrct of the Punjab which lasted for only a tion of the therapeutic action or value of indigefew weeks. nous drugs. Not being personally engaged in (Rheum emodi) Chukri. In the practice my studies consist very largely in dis- 1. Rhubarb of JBaijnath the traders with whom I village or the botanical, zoological, geological covering informed me that they annually sources of products, to record their vernacular conversed about 1,000 maunds of this root to the exported In of course names and reputed properties. time such observations begin, however, even in my plains. That it was used as a purgative, but more particularly as an ingredient in certain prediary of records, to assume importance. It is for that an almost parations applied to wounds and for ophthalmia.
example, scarcely conceivable, universally prevalent plant, such
The use of Indian rhubarb as an external as Adhcctoda could have come to possess indigenous remedy does not appear to have been mentioned names in almost every language of this country previously, but while I am not prepared at prelittle or no intercommunication sent to recommend its being experimented with that supply (names of ideas), while at the same time the attributes in that direction I venture to think that a trade of the plant should be the same from Cape Como- of the magnitude I have indicated is far in exrin to Afghanistan, unless we are to attach con- cess of the total previously recorded for all India, siderable importance to the reputed properties and the figure I have mentioned was given to me by several independent persons and was subof the plant. It is on such considerations that I venture from sequently confirmed at Palampur, Kangra city time to time to recommend new or little known and other localities. The total exports from ?drugs to the consideration of the profession, and Kulu and Kangra must therefore be very it is on similar lines, gentlemen, that I would considerable. 2. Karu (Picrorhiza Kurrooa.).?Although urge you to separate the wheat from the chaff of village herbalism. It is somewhat curious that considex-able confusion exists in the writings with the indigenous as with the European drugs of many authors regarding this root, and a we can very nearly come to speak of two at series of articles have been more or less collecleast great classes of dealers. These are the own- tively designated Kutki, there is no doubt of ers of regular drug shops, but on market days the fact that Karu is both a popular and valuand at fairs certain traders very commonly able drug. It is in small doses said to be a spread out on the roadsides, pieces of cloth and bitter stomachic useful in dyspepsia, in larger arrange all over these little piles of roots, barks, doses antiperiodic, while possessing in addition fruits or flowers. These dealers may be regard- a useful purgative action. In the Central ed as the herbalist of India. The plant is very prevalent throughout the Provinces the people of this class are for the most at altitudes of 10,000 to 15,000 feet. Himalaya part Gonds, but every district has its peculiar Its collection and transportation gives employtraders in locally collected drugs, and, speaking ment to a large number of persons. In Kangra generally, such .drugs possess greater novelty alone during a march of about a week's duration, of the and baskets which I must have seen than the contents bags quite 10C mule loads of this are piled one above the other around the village toward the plains. carried drug being drug-seller who frequently combines the trade Kurrooa.?This is one of the Gentiana 3. of grocer with that of village chemist. plants confused with and said to be sold along By way of illustrating a herbalist store I have with the true Karu. In Kulu Valley from Mana set of placed on the tablein for your inspection to Sultanpur it is very prevalent, growing Nagpur. These were pur- glaor the samples procured grass. It was in full flower in Octoamong was instructwho native a chased by gentleman ber, but although I asked nearly every person ed to go to the weekly market of that town and whom I came in contact I could never with set of the articles offered for procure a complete that it was put to any use and certainly learn sale by any one trader. I have not attempted to never heard it receive the name of Karu. There if shall be but name these as yet, glad you, seems, however, no doubt of the fact that this gentlemen, will do me the honour to determine and beautiful plant could be the botanical sources of this very small collec- very prevalent in large quant^ should a demand arise supplied tion. By doing so I venture to think you will it as a substitute for the officinal gentian. realize the full force of my contention that | for Vasica
|
Jan.
1895.]
INDIAN MEDICAL CONGRESS.
4. Actcea spicata?This might be procured in very large quantities from the higher ranges of the Western Himalaya. Although I showed the plant to several drug collectors they knew nothing of its uses nor could give me any vernacular name for it. They informed me its chief use was as an adulterant, for the very expensive drug (said to be imported from Tibet) which is known as Mumvva ( ? Coptis Teeta.) 5. Mumiai is sold in all the drug shops of Kangra. It is imported from Lahaul and Tibet and finds its way from Kangra all over India. I need scarcely remind you, gentlemen, of the periodic panics that appear at hill stations (no one knows how) from a report having got abroad that so many persons were to be captured and made into Mumiai. So long as this scare lasts it is often extremely difficult to get persons to The go messages especially after nightfall. article which I sliow you was not, however, made from human fat, but is of a mineral nature and is sometimes known as Silajit, being found as an exudation from the soil or crevices in the rocks. 6. Nahani (Valariana Hardwiclcii).?This is very largely exported from these hills and appeal's to be used in India both as a perfume and as a medicine. According to the drug-sellers of Kangra it is an antispasmodic. It seems well worthy of careful examination as a substitute for the valerian of the pharmacopoeia. The point of importance regarding it lies in the fact that although most writers on the subject do little more than suggest, that it may be used, or that it is desirable it should be used, it was found in every drug shop as a regular article of trade, and was well known to the collectors who pointed out the living plant in the jungles as the Nahani of their trade. 7. Banafsha (Viola serpens). This is very largely traded in, from the Western Himalaya. The interest in it consists in the fact that the true Banafsha is doubtless the flowers of V. odorata?a species very much more rarel}7 met with, and it is thus possible the Indian substitute possesses none of the properties of the drug which is so much admired by many Muhammedan physicians. 8. Atis, or Patis (Acontium heterophyllum). It is, perhaps, unnecessary for me to say anything regarding this very valuable drug further than that it forms an extensive article of trade from every town in Kangra and Kulu. 9. Acoiiitum Napellus.?The only form of this plant found by me on the higher ranges was a condition with very pale blue flowers and small conical roots. It is neither collected nor traded in from Kangra, so far as I could learn, though, of course, it was well known to the hill people to be poisonous. 10. Impabiens sulcata.?The seeds of this very tall balsam are regularly eaten, and a
23
medicinal oil is also said to be extracted from them, which is regarded as of special merit, but the exact properties of which I could get 110 definite information. Before dismissing the subject of the articles of export trade from the drug shops of Kangra, with your permission, gentlemen, I should like to mention by name three articles which are of considerable commercial value, but they are not medicinal. 11. Kuth, the Costus of the Greeks ( Saussurea Lappa).?This valuable perfume has not hitherto been regarded as exported from Kulu and Kangra. I ascertained that there was a considerable trade in the root, and I collected the plant in one or two of the ranges ab 8,000 feet in height. We must, therefore, now add these regions to the published area of supply.
'
12.
Dhup (Juyinea macrocephala).?The dhup of this large handsome plant (gugul) are extensively collected and exported all over India as one of the chief ingredients of the incense burnt ab temples. That article as prepared
roots
on the hills consists of the roots of this plant made up with the wood, leaves and berries of the juniper a little Fatamansi, sandal wood and camphor. While examining the ingredients used I observed that the trader kept pepper-corns with his camphor, and I was told that these prevented the evaporation of the camphor. I have heard this stated before, but have not as yet had an opportunity of definitely testing the truth or otherwise of the statement. If it be true, the fact should be of great value bo Museums.
13. Madder or Manjeet (Rubia cordifodia) the roobs of this mosb valuable dye planb appear to be regularly collected all over Kashmir, Kangra and Kulu. This fact does not seem to be sufficiently well known to the trade, and it is possible that as analime dyes find their way more completely to the remoter tracts of the Himalaya, like the al dye of the Central Provinces the Manjeet of Kangra will disappear from trade. Gentlemen, these are a few of the regular articles seen in the drug shops of Kangra, but before leaving that province I should like to invite your attention to five articles of the herbalist stalls. 14. Rhamnus davuricus (styul), a common tree throughout the regions from 5,000 to 7,000 feet in altitude. The fruit and juice are regarded as drastic purgatives. If this could be utilized an indefinite supply exists. 15. Podophyllum Emodi.?The large scarlet fruits of this plant are universally eaten and relished by the people, and they sire not purgative : the roots are recognized as a useful purgative. The number of persons that make a living by collecting and exporting drugs from the higher ranges of Kangra and Kulu is very
24
INDIAN MEDICAL GAZETTE.
The demand exists for Karu, Dhup, Kut and many such, and these are regularly exported. If, therefore, the European merchants wish to procure Podophyllum they should find little difficulty in organizing an agency. From the examination of this root, instituted some few years ago, it appears to be remarkably rich in the officinal resin. India should not only, therefore, meet her own demands, but very largely contribute to the world's supply.
great.
16. Balanophora involucrata.? This most remarkable plant I found recognized as a drug and sold as gajpipal. The properties (or supposed properties) I could not discover. 17. I have not thought it necessary to place before you a long list of medicinal products collected by me, but which I could not discover the ?exact sources of, since they were not in season during my visit. I shall, however, draw your attention to two such products. Malin, a root sold in Palampur and elsewere and said to be very valuable in killing maggots and lice. 18. Mathosan, a member of the Umbelliferse which I have not had time to critically examine, but which appears to be a species of LigustiOne person gave me the name Bhutkesi ?cum. for these roots?a name hitherto assigned to Corydalis Govaniana, but it would appear this same mistake has been made on more than the occasion here mentioned.
The roots are sold all over Kangra and Kullu for the purpose of causing the fermentation of The roots of Mathosan are made Sur or beer. into cakes with barley which are sold as Dheli and these are probably identical with the Paps of the Tibetans. This subject is of the greatest interest, for in these prepared barley and Mathosan cakes we possess a substance that is said to keep good for a long time and a small fragment of which may be relied upon to produce fermentation or may he employed in raising bread. To the numerous Officers in India who spend many months together in camp these small fermenting cakes should prove of the greatest service, and it seems just possible that this obscure fermentation agent might even be ?of value to the brewing industry. Some few years ago I had occasion to be travelling in the Sutlej Valley. I witnessed there the leaves of Adhatoda Vasica being scattered over a flooded field of rice. I enquired the object, and was told these acted as a medicine by killing the insect and fungoid pests of the rice crop. My attention being thus directed I conducted many experito this subject, ments with the result that the cultivators' opinion of the plant seemed fully justified. The subject was then recommended by the Government of India to the attention of the Local Governments, and much useful additional information was thereby brought to light. Shortly 19.
[Jan.
1895.
after this Dr. Hooper, of Madras, took up the chemical examination of the plant, and succeeded in isolating an alkaloid to which he attributed the active principle. Dr. Bamber, of Kirkee, on the other hand, subsequent to Dr. Hooper's investigations, re-examined the plant and formed the opinion tliat the principle which acts as an insecticide appears to be a volatile product. In this opinion I concur with the latter chemist. In all my practical tests I failed to get good results if dried leaves were used. Within the past few months this substance has gained a somewhat remarkable reputation as an insecticide against Red Spider and Mosquito?the two chief pests of the tea plant. But in addition the opinion prevails throughout India that this is one of the most valuable plants in the treatment of lung diseases. The suggestion has, therefore, been made that it is possible the insecticide property and its value in these affections may in some way or other be connected. I dare not carry this suggestion further, however, without having performed the necessary experiments that would justify the conclusion these considerations point to ; but, gentlemen, I may add that I obtain frequent applications from medical men in Europe who would seem anxious to experiment with the drug. The difficulty has presented itself of being able to prepare a medicine from the fresh plant that would preserve all its true properties. I venture, therefore, to commend this subject as one out of the many undeveloped medicinal products of this country that might be fairly well expected to more than reward the energies of many
investigators. (20) Before resuming should like
my seat,
I other
gentlemen,
to invite your attention to
one
You are doubtless aware that the pulse Lathyrus sativa Khesari has for many years now been fully understood to cause paralysis of the lower extremities to men or animals that live on the grain for any length of time. This property has been found to be due mainly to a volatile principle that is destroyed if the pulse be properly cooked. When travelling through the Nagpur District of the Central Provinces my attention was directed the other day to a form of the plant with much smaller seeds which the Natives believe is entirely free from the toxic property of the ordinary form of the plant. Thinking there might possibly be some mistake I gave the study of the form met with on wheat (rabi) lands my careful consideration since I had been informed the harmless condition of the pulse grew 011 rice lands which I was to inspect shortly after. I was thus prepared to critically examine the two plants on my passing from the wheat to the rice areas, but I must inform you that when I was shewn the rice field condition of Lathyrus I was utterly at a loss to find any structural peculiarity by which in the herbarium the two plants might be separately recognized.
subject.
Jan.
1895.]
INDIAN MEDICAL CONGRESS.
Their habitats are very different?the smaller seeded form {lakhori as it is called) is sown earlier, the seed being thrown over the flooded rice fields towards the close of the rains ; the wheat field form is sown later, on rich black soil. This in the Central Provinces is known as lakh. The opinion that while lakhori is harmless lakh is very dangerous I found to be held by the inhabitants of several districts of these provinces and even in the Berars. Indeed lakhori is spoken of as a speciality of Nagpur, Bandara and Chatisgarli Districts, and is exported all over the country on account its being harmless. It cannot alone be the fact that it is grown in rice lands that gives this immunity, since in Oudh, the North-West Provinces and Behar, the rice land Lathyrus is very poisonous. There are no botanical characters other than the size of the seed to account for this remarkable chemical difference (if it be chemically confirmed that the popular reputation of the two grains is correct) ; to what then are we to look for a solution of the enigma of those curious plants ? I venture to think, gentlemen, our ignorance of the nature and character of the products of this country is the chief cause, not only of many of our own defects but of our want of scientific progression. It is impossible to urge, therefore, in too strong terms the desirability of greater attention being given to the study of the indigenous drugs of India. We shall thereby find good substitutes for imported drugs, create new trades and prevent valuable local knowledge from being lost sight of in the new stream of Western ideas that is rapidly enveloping the whole country.
25
Corresponding Member of the Pharmaceutical Society and of the lloyal Horticultural Society of Great Britain ; Officier d Academie, etc.
Gentlemen,?When the Central Committee did me the honour to invite me to become one of the Presidents of this Congress, I confess it was with a feeling of considerable diffidence that I accepted that position. Though I have been en craved in this country on scientific tions0 during the past 20 years, I investigahave not practised the profession of medicine, I therefore hesitated whether or not I could lay before you facts of personal experience that were likely to prove of value. My duties as Reporter on Economic Products to the Government of India require me, however, to investigate the sources of supply of the articles of Indian trade, and naturally I am brought among other kindred subjects into contact with questions connected with Indigenous Drugs. I trust my distinguished colleague, ftai Bahadur Kanny Lall Dey, C.I.E., may not regard me as trespassing, however, into the domain with which his name has been honourably associated for so many years, when I propose to direct your attention to certain matters connected with the indigenous of India.
drugs
Jan.
1895.]
INDIAN MEDICAL CONGRESS.
Gentlemen, in placing before you a few personal observations and results of certain investhe indigenous drugs, I desire you to understand that I purposely leave untouched two lines of enquiry > viz., the Classic and the Therapeutic. Indeed, I venture to think that we have lost much time and many valuable opportunities through the energies of the distinguished investigators who have adorned the century that is now rapidly drawing to a close, having been disproportionately directed to solving the mystery of the classically famed drugs, the names of which have come to us through a vista of ages and dynasties since the Sanskrit speaking race first invaded and peopled the Peninsula of Hindustan. I am fully aware that there are questions of great importance and interest, intimately associated with the solution of such historic problems, but these have little more than a passing bearing on the Science of Medicine. Were we to add a new economic product to our list of useful plants, by solving the mystery of the Soma, then the position would be entirely different to that which I desire to recommend to your consideration. But the fact that we are now unable to recognize the much famed Soma might, indeed, be held as showing that either its properties had been purely suppositious, or that the plant had disappeared from the world. The controversy that it is very possibly this plant or that, since each theory can be supported by circumstances laboriously and cleverly worked out, may be instructive and may tend to elucidate obscure points of language, ethnology or history, but how much of the controversy can be held as advancing the science of pharmacology ? So, again, the transference of names from one object to another may be said to be an all too frequently inherent consequence of the progression of the human mind. It can be demonstrated as having taken place, and as taking place now in every field of thought, with the result that the Soma lata of the present day need have little more than a superficial resemblance to the ancient article, if, indeed, the modern usage of that name be anything more than a pure coincidence. To give a place in our Pharmacopoeia to drugs, because of probabilities and coincidences of the nature indicated, would obviously be unwise. We may be interested in speculations such as that indulged in by Dr. Wise in his two-volumed work entitled " A Review of the History of Medicine," but how much do we advance the healing art of to-day by demonstrating that the knowledge of disease and its treatment came originally to India from Arabia or was dispersed in the opposite direction ? While not, however, desiring to minimise or to speak disparagingly even of the value of such philosophical and philological investigations, it seems to me that we would do well to call for
tigations in connection with
21
attention being given in the future to the medical knowledge that actually exists and is practised in India at the present time, Ever since the British Government established its administration in this great Empire, Western thought and Western science lias been undermining, and one might almost say sapping, the life out of the hereditary arts and sciences The British may in fact of this country. be viewed as having come to India as the pioneers of a new civilization?a civilization that has much to recommend it. In their enthusiasm they have occasionally, however, been carried beyond the true position of reformers in that they have here and there been guilty of the neglect to recognize the principles that gave vitality to a civilization that had stood the test of centuries. We have as it were been stooping to the reformed instead of raising to the level of the reformer. We have studiously imparted the little that could be absorbed, instead of developing the much that was of value, and that wanted but the helping hand of evolution and adaptation to be, indeed, of equal value with exotic conceptions and means. The effect of all this has not unnaturally come about that much is being lost that with great advantage might be preserved. A child-like dependence is rapidly taking the place of selfhelp, which in no department is more to be deplored than in that of the knowledge of indigenous drugs. As it seems to me, therefore, we must bestir ourselves if we do not wish to see India lose very materially the knowledge which she possesses?a knowledge, too, which it is probable she might in many directions beneficially impart to the rest of the world. This danger, gentlemen, I trust you will agree with me, is undoubtedly great, when the subjects of enquiry that have filled the minds of the few who have turned their attention to the indigenous drugs have been very largely historic and philologic investigations. The absorbing theme under these conditions becomes the past not the present knowledge. In consequence one might be prepared to make, what would, of course, be regarded as a useless challenge, viz., that given a few months' study in any one province, a catalogue of the indigenous drugs in daily use by the people could be prepared which would contain twice as many articles of that nature as are enumerated in any similar work already in existence. I make this statement, gentlemen, advisedly, because my object is to impress upon you that there is a rich field for exploration in the drugs actually used by the people of India, more especially the drugs in use by distant village communities and aboriginal tribes. In illustration of this view I shall endeavour to lay before you a few of the results of a rapid tour which I have only just completed through certain districts of the Punjab and the Central Provinces. But I
greater
22
INDIAN MEDICAL GAZETTE.
[Jan.
1895.
us are remarkably do not single these out as very especially deserv- the best informed among the drugs of the domestic ignorant regarding of your consideration, but simply to show the ing life of the people of India. impossibility that exists of throwing oneself With these observations I may, therefore, -among the rural communities of India without the subject of the Indian herbalist, and dismiss learning from them something of interest. with your permission shall place before you a These remarks, therefore, lead me to the second few examples of drugs procured by me very of subject investigation, which, as a rule, I do either in the jungles or from the vilnot pursue, and upon which, therefore, I am un- personally stores during a tour in the Kangra drug lage qualified to give an opinion, viz., the determina- Distrct of the Punjab which lasted for only a tion of the therapeutic action or value of indigefew weeks. nous drugs. Not being personally engaged in (Rheum emodi) Chukri. In the practice my studies consist very largely in dis- 1. Rhubarb of JBaijnath the traders with whom I village or the botanical, zoological, geological covering informed me that they annually sources of products, to record their vernacular conversed about 1,000 maunds of this root to the exported In of course names and reputed properties. time such observations begin, however, even in my plains. That it was used as a purgative, but more particularly as an ingredient in certain prediary of records, to assume importance. It is for that an almost parations applied to wounds and for ophthalmia.
example, scarcely conceivable, universally prevalent plant, such
The use of Indian rhubarb as an external as Adhcctoda could have come to possess indigenous remedy does not appear to have been mentioned names in almost every language of this country previously, but while I am not prepared at prelittle or no intercommunication sent to recommend its being experimented with that supply (names of ideas), while at the same time the attributes in that direction I venture to think that a trade of the plant should be the same from Cape Como- of the magnitude I have indicated is far in exrin to Afghanistan, unless we are to attach con- cess of the total previously recorded for all India, siderable importance to the reputed properties and the figure I have mentioned was given to me by several independent persons and was subof the plant. It is on such considerations that I venture from sequently confirmed at Palampur, Kangra city time to time to recommend new or little known and other localities. The total exports from ?drugs to the consideration of the profession, and Kulu and Kangra must therefore be very it is on similar lines, gentlemen, that I would considerable. 2. Karu (Picrorhiza Kurrooa.).?Although urge you to separate the wheat from the chaff of village herbalism. It is somewhat curious that considex-able confusion exists in the writings with the indigenous as with the European drugs of many authors regarding this root, and a we can very nearly come to speak of two at series of articles have been more or less collecleast great classes of dealers. These are the own- tively designated Kutki, there is no doubt of ers of regular drug shops, but on market days the fact that Karu is both a popular and valuand at fairs certain traders very commonly able drug. It is in small doses said to be a spread out on the roadsides, pieces of cloth and bitter stomachic useful in dyspepsia, in larger arrange all over these little piles of roots, barks, doses antiperiodic, while possessing in addition fruits or flowers. These dealers may be regard- a useful purgative action. In the Central ed as the herbalist of India. The plant is very prevalent throughout the Provinces the people of this class are for the most at altitudes of 10,000 to 15,000 feet. Himalaya part Gonds, but every district has its peculiar Its collection and transportation gives employtraders in locally collected drugs, and, speaking ment to a large number of persons. In Kangra generally, such .drugs possess greater novelty alone during a march of about a week's duration, of the and baskets which I must have seen than the contents bags quite 10C mule loads of this are piled one above the other around the village toward the plains. carried drug being drug-seller who frequently combines the trade Kurrooa.?This is one of the Gentiana 3. of grocer with that of village chemist. plants confused with and said to be sold along By way of illustrating a herbalist store I have with the true Karu. In Kulu Valley from Mana set of placed on the tablein for your inspection to Sultanpur it is very prevalent, growing Nagpur. These were pur- glaor the samples procured grass. It was in full flower in Octoamong was instructwho native a chased by gentleman ber, but although I asked nearly every person ed to go to the weekly market of that town and whom I came in contact I could never with set of the articles offered for procure a complete that it was put to any use and certainly learn sale by any one trader. I have not attempted to never heard it receive the name of Karu. There if shall be but name these as yet, glad you, seems, however, no doubt of the fact that this gentlemen, will do me the honour to determine and beautiful plant could be the botanical sources of this very small collec- very prevalent in large quant^ should a demand arise supplied tion. By doing so I venture to think you will it as a substitute for the officinal gentian. realize the full force of my contention that | for Vasica
|
Jan.
1895.]
INDIAN MEDICAL CONGRESS.
4. Actcea spicata?This might be procured in very large quantities from the higher ranges of the Western Himalaya. Although I showed the plant to several drug collectors they knew nothing of its uses nor could give me any vernacular name for it. They informed me its chief use was as an adulterant, for the very expensive drug (said to be imported from Tibet) which is known as Mumvva ( ? Coptis Teeta.) 5. Mumiai is sold in all the drug shops of Kangra. It is imported from Lahaul and Tibet and finds its way from Kangra all over India. I need scarcely remind you, gentlemen, of the periodic panics that appear at hill stations (no one knows how) from a report having got abroad that so many persons were to be captured and made into Mumiai. So long as this scare lasts it is often extremely difficult to get persons to The go messages especially after nightfall. article which I sliow you was not, however, made from human fat, but is of a mineral nature and is sometimes known as Silajit, being found as an exudation from the soil or crevices in the rocks. 6. Nahani (Valariana Hardwiclcii).?This is very largely exported from these hills and appeal's to be used in India both as a perfume and as a medicine. According to the drug-sellers of Kangra it is an antispasmodic. It seems well worthy of careful examination as a substitute for the valerian of the pharmacopoeia. The point of importance regarding it lies in the fact that although most writers on the subject do little more than suggest, that it may be used, or that it is desirable it should be used, it was found in every drug shop as a regular article of trade, and was well known to the collectors who pointed out the living plant in the jungles as the Nahani of their trade. 7. Banafsha (Viola serpens). This is very largely traded in, from the Western Himalaya. The interest in it consists in the fact that the true Banafsha is doubtless the flowers of V. odorata?a species very much more rarel}7 met with, and it is thus possible the Indian substitute possesses none of the properties of the drug which is so much admired by many Muhammedan physicians. 8. Atis, or Patis (Acontium heterophyllum). It is, perhaps, unnecessary for me to say anything regarding this very valuable drug further than that it forms an extensive article of trade from every town in Kangra and Kulu. 9. Acoiiitum Napellus.?The only form of this plant found by me on the higher ranges was a condition with very pale blue flowers and small conical roots. It is neither collected nor traded in from Kangra, so far as I could learn, though, of course, it was well known to the hill people to be poisonous. 10. Impabiens sulcata.?The seeds of this very tall balsam are regularly eaten, and a
23
medicinal oil is also said to be extracted from them, which is regarded as of special merit, but the exact properties of which I could get 110 definite information. Before dismissing the subject of the articles of export trade from the drug shops of Kangra, with your permission, gentlemen, I should like to mention by name three articles which are of considerable commercial value, but they are not medicinal. 11. Kuth, the Costus of the Greeks ( Saussurea Lappa).?This valuable perfume has not hitherto been regarded as exported from Kulu and Kangra. I ascertained that there was a considerable trade in the root, and I collected the plant in one or two of the ranges ab 8,000 feet in height. We must, therefore, now add these regions to the published area of supply.
'
12.
Dhup (Juyinea macrocephala).?The dhup of this large handsome plant (gugul) are extensively collected and exported all over India as one of the chief ingredients of the incense burnt ab temples. That article as prepared
roots
on the hills consists of the roots of this plant made up with the wood, leaves and berries of the juniper a little Fatamansi, sandal wood and camphor. While examining the ingredients used I observed that the trader kept pepper-corns with his camphor, and I was told that these prevented the evaporation of the camphor. I have heard this stated before, but have not as yet had an opportunity of definitely testing the truth or otherwise of the statement. If it be true, the fact should be of great value bo Museums.
13. Madder or Manjeet (Rubia cordifodia) the roobs of this mosb valuable dye planb appear to be regularly collected all over Kashmir, Kangra and Kulu. This fact does not seem to be sufficiently well known to the trade, and it is possible that as analime dyes find their way more completely to the remoter tracts of the Himalaya, like the al dye of the Central Provinces the Manjeet of Kangra will disappear from trade. Gentlemen, these are a few of the regular articles seen in the drug shops of Kangra, but before leaving that province I should like to invite your attention to five articles of the herbalist stalls. 14. Rhamnus davuricus (styul), a common tree throughout the regions from 5,000 to 7,000 feet in altitude. The fruit and juice are regarded as drastic purgatives. If this could be utilized an indefinite supply exists. 15. Podophyllum Emodi.?The large scarlet fruits of this plant are universally eaten and relished by the people, and they sire not purgative : the roots are recognized as a useful purgative. The number of persons that make a living by collecting and exporting drugs from the higher ranges of Kangra and Kulu is very
24
INDIAN MEDICAL GAZETTE.
The demand exists for Karu, Dhup, Kut and many such, and these are regularly exported. If, therefore, the European merchants wish to procure Podophyllum they should find little difficulty in organizing an agency. From the examination of this root, instituted some few years ago, it appears to be remarkably rich in the officinal resin. India should not only, therefore, meet her own demands, but very largely contribute to the world's supply.
great.
16. Balanophora involucrata.? This most remarkable plant I found recognized as a drug and sold as gajpipal. The properties (or supposed properties) I could not discover. 17. I have not thought it necessary to place before you a long list of medicinal products collected by me, but which I could not discover the ?exact sources of, since they were not in season during my visit. I shall, however, draw your attention to two such products. Malin, a root sold in Palampur and elsewere and said to be very valuable in killing maggots and lice. 18. Mathosan, a member of the Umbelliferse which I have not had time to critically examine, but which appears to be a species of LigustiOne person gave me the name Bhutkesi ?cum. for these roots?a name hitherto assigned to Corydalis Govaniana, but it would appear this same mistake has been made on more than the occasion here mentioned.
The roots are sold all over Kangra and Kullu for the purpose of causing the fermentation of The roots of Mathosan are made Sur or beer. into cakes with barley which are sold as Dheli and these are probably identical with the Paps of the Tibetans. This subject is of the greatest interest, for in these prepared barley and Mathosan cakes we possess a substance that is said to keep good for a long time and a small fragment of which may be relied upon to produce fermentation or may he employed in raising bread. To the numerous Officers in India who spend many months together in camp these small fermenting cakes should prove of the greatest service, and it seems just possible that this obscure fermentation agent might even be ?of value to the brewing industry. Some few years ago I had occasion to be travelling in the Sutlej Valley. I witnessed there the leaves of Adhatoda Vasica being scattered over a flooded field of rice. I enquired the object, and was told these acted as a medicine by killing the insect and fungoid pests of the rice crop. My attention being thus directed I conducted many experito this subject, ments with the result that the cultivators' opinion of the plant seemed fully justified. The subject was then recommended by the Government of India to the attention of the Local Governments, and much useful additional information was thereby brought to light. Shortly 19.
[Jan.
1895.
after this Dr. Hooper, of Madras, took up the chemical examination of the plant, and succeeded in isolating an alkaloid to which he attributed the active principle. Dr. Bamber, of Kirkee, on the other hand, subsequent to Dr. Hooper's investigations, re-examined the plant and formed the opinion tliat the principle which acts as an insecticide appears to be a volatile product. In this opinion I concur with the latter chemist. In all my practical tests I failed to get good results if dried leaves were used. Within the past few months this substance has gained a somewhat remarkable reputation as an insecticide against Red Spider and Mosquito?the two chief pests of the tea plant. But in addition the opinion prevails throughout India that this is one of the most valuable plants in the treatment of lung diseases. The suggestion has, therefore, been made that it is possible the insecticide property and its value in these affections may in some way or other be connected. I dare not carry this suggestion further, however, without having performed the necessary experiments that would justify the conclusion these considerations point to ; but, gentlemen, I may add that I obtain frequent applications from medical men in Europe who would seem anxious to experiment with the drug. The difficulty has presented itself of being able to prepare a medicine from the fresh plant that would preserve all its true properties. I venture, therefore, to commend this subject as one out of the many undeveloped medicinal products of this country that might be fairly well expected to more than reward the energies of many
investigators. (20) Before resuming should like
my seat,
I other
gentlemen,
to invite your attention to
one
You are doubtless aware that the pulse Lathyrus sativa Khesari has for many years now been fully understood to cause paralysis of the lower extremities to men or animals that live on the grain for any length of time. This property has been found to be due mainly to a volatile principle that is destroyed if the pulse be properly cooked. When travelling through the Nagpur District of the Central Provinces my attention was directed the other day to a form of the plant with much smaller seeds which the Natives believe is entirely free from the toxic property of the ordinary form of the plant. Thinking there might possibly be some mistake I gave the study of the form met with on wheat (rabi) lands my careful consideration since I had been informed the harmless condition of the pulse grew 011 rice lands which I was to inspect shortly after. I was thus prepared to critically examine the two plants on my passing from the wheat to the rice areas, but I must inform you that when I was shewn the rice field condition of Lathyrus I was utterly at a loss to find any structural peculiarity by which in the herbarium the two plants might be separately recognized.
subject.
Jan.
1895.]
INDIAN MEDICAL CONGRESS.
Their habitats are very different?the smaller seeded form {lakhori as it is called) is sown earlier, the seed being thrown over the flooded rice fields towards the close of the rains ; the wheat field form is sown later, on rich black soil. This in the Central Provinces is known as lakh. The opinion that while lakhori is harmless lakh is very dangerous I found to be held by the inhabitants of several districts of these provinces and even in the Berars. Indeed lakhori is spoken of as a speciality of Nagpur, Bandara and Chatisgarli Districts, and is exported all over the country on account its being harmless. It cannot alone be the fact that it is grown in rice lands that gives this immunity, since in Oudh, the North-West Provinces and Behar, the rice land Lathyrus is very poisonous. There are no botanical characters other than the size of the seed to account for this remarkable chemical difference (if it be chemically confirmed that the popular reputation of the two grains is correct) ; to what then are we to look for a solution of the enigma of those curious plants ? I venture to think, gentlemen, our ignorance of the nature and character of the products of this country is the chief cause, not only of many of our own defects but of our want of scientific progression. It is impossible to urge, therefore, in too strong terms the desirability of greater attention being given to the study of the indigenous drugs of India. We shall thereby find good substitutes for imported drugs, create new trades and prevent valuable local knowledge from being lost sight of in the new stream of Western ideas that is rapidly enveloping the whole country.
25
