Kamala.
Croton coccineus. Rottlera tinctoria. (India, South Arabia, Tropical
Australia.) N. O. Euphorbiaceć. [A red mealy inflammable powder, obtained from the trilobed
capsules of the plant.] Tincture. Solution in Ether. Trituration.Clinical.─
Skin, affections of. Tapeworm.
Characteristics.─
Kamala
is best known in medicine as a remedy for tapeworm. It is given in doses of half to two
drachms. Hanbury (Pharm. Jour., February, 1858, quoted
in Treas. of Bot.) says: “Among the Arabs of Aden
it is given internally in leprosy, and used in solution to remove freckles and pustules;
while in this country it has been used successfully in treating the eruption known as
“wildfire” (Strophulus volaticus) in children, by rubbing the powder over the
affected part with moist lint. It appears, however, to be most valued as an anthelmintic,
and has been extensively used with much success in India in cases of tapeworm, three drachms
being sufficient for a robust person, and half that quantity for one of feeble habit.” Kamala shows by its clinical uses its relationship with Croton
and the other Euphorbians.® 2000
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