Aleurites Moluccana, Willd. (A. triloba, Forst. and Blanco.)
Nom. Vulg.—Lumbán, Kapili, Tag.; Belgaum or Indian Walnut, Indo-Eng.
Uses.—The kernels are rich in oil which is used for illumination and the manufacture of soap. For industrial purposes it is superior to linseed oil, according to the report of the Madras Drug Committee.
Dr. O’Rocke states that in doses of 1–2 ounces it acts as a gentle and sure purgative, producing copious bilious evacuations after 3–6 hours, without causing nausea, colic or other similar effects. The municipal physician of Sampaloc, Señor Xerez, states that he has frequently used this oil in Manila, as a purgative, and he agrees perfectly with Dr. O’Rocke as to its effect.
D. Anacleto del Rosario, the distinguished Filipino chemist, tells me that he once witnessed a case of poisoning by the fruit of the lumbán, the patient being a native boy. Doubtless the milky juice, so active in all the Euphorbiaceæ, was the cause of the symptoms. It is true that the kernel causes colic and copious alvine discharges.
Nellino’s chemical analysis of the seeds is as follows:
| Water | 5.25 |
| Fatty matter | 62.97 |
| Cellulose | 28.99 |
| Mineral matter | 2.79 |
The ashes contain the following matters:
| Lime | 28.69% |
| Magnesia | 6.01% |
| Potash | 11.23% |
| Phosphoric acid | 20.30% |