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 Pharmacopœia 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, diarrhœa 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: