Rootbark - Specimen details
| Catalogue Number: 67398 | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| No Image | Plant Name | 12.01 CAPPARACEAE Capparis spinosa | Entry Book Number | ||
| Artefact Name | Rootbark | Vernacular Name | |||
| Iso Country | India | TDWG Region | India | ||
| Parts Held | Rootbark | Geography Description | India | ||
| Uses | RootbarkUse: MEDICINES - Infections/Infestations User: Man | TDWG use | MEDICINES - Infections/Infestations | ||
| Storage | Bottles, boxes etc | Related Items | |||
| Donor | Pharm Soc GB | Donor No | 1 D 7 | ||
| Donor Date | Donor Notes | India Museum No: 1.188x0Dx0A | |||
| Collector | Collector No | ||||
| Collection Notes | Collection Date | ||||
| Exhibition | Expedition | ||||
| Number Components | Publication | ||||
| Notes: | Label source: This plant is widely distributed, being found in Asia, Europe, Africa and Australia. Common form grows in Bombay Presidency. Caper bark does not appear to have been known as a medicine to the Hindus until introduced by the Mahometans but, another sp of capparis (C. aphylla) very common in India and having somewhat similar properties - berries are used by the natives. Capparis is mentioned by both Greek and Latin writers, and its medical properties were probably made knwon to the Arabs thr, ough them. The author of the Makhzanul Adwiya gives a good description of the plant and says that the root bark is the most active part. He considers its action to be detergent and astringent, and recommends it in palsy and dropsy and gouty and rheumati, c afflictions. The juice of the fresh plant is directed to be dropped into the ear to kill worms, just as cleome juice is used in India. All parts of the plant are said to have a stimulating and astringent effect when applied externally. Ainslie menti, ons the bark as an imported article, and notices its use as an external application to malignant ulcers. Caper root bark occurs in half quills, several inches in length, it is very thick and transversely fissured, the external surface grey and internal, white; taste bitter and pungent. Imported via the Persian Gulf. | ||||