MEDlCINAL PLANTS OF JAMAICA. PARTS 1 & 11.

TAMARINDUS INDICA L. Tamarind.
The leaves of tamarind are used in Jamaica as an ingredient of baths for fever and pains. In Cuba a root
decoction is employed in the treatment of haemorrhages and "enfermedades del hidago" (liver disorders). (3, 5.
7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 14, IS, 16, 17, 22, 23, 25, 27, 37, 39, 47, 50, 62).
CAMPANULACEAE
A family of about fifteen hundred widely distributed. mostly herbaceous, plants with lactiferous
elements. On the whole the family is of little chemical importance though alkaloids such as lobelin and isotomin
occur in some species.
ISOTOMA LONGIFLORA (L) Presl. Madam Fate: Star Flower; Horse Poison.
In Jamaica this plant appears to have a reputation not unconnected with magic. "When looking for it do
not call its name or you will not find it" and again "It will keep away harm-anything that threatens you". Soaked
in white rum it is commonly used as a lotion for pains and a little may be drunk. Despite its poisonous nature-it
is said to contain an amorphous tonic alkaloid called isotomin-it is also sometimes used to make tea for colds.
Beckwith said it was boiled with "tall Bahama grass" and "Apimpe" for a bath. (2, 9, 14, 27, 28).
CANNABINACEAE
A family containing only two genera-Humulus and Cannabis. The plants are aromatic and bear
glandular hairs.
CANNABIS SATIVA L. Gania: Indian hemp.
Cannabis sativa, which is a source of hemp and bird seed, produces also the ganja, hashish or bhang, and
the charas or churrus of commerce. The latter is the crude resin, ganja consists of the short-stemmed female
tope, while bhang is made up of the larger leaves and stems of both male and female plants. The use of hemp
for its intoxicating and medical pro perties is widespread in the Orient. Africa and Middle East and dates back
to very early times. Its antispasmodic and anodyne properties have been employed in Western medicine in the
treatment of neuralgia. asthma. tetanus and mania cases but it is now chiefly notorious for the deleterious effects
produced on those who become addicted to the drug. Its use in the treatment of asthma is known and practised
in Jamaica where the dried herb is infused in hot water to make tea. This may also be used in cases of fever and
colds. In Southern Rhodesia the plant is used by the native population in cases of malaria, anthrax, blackwater
fever, blood poisoning and child-birth. The resin is said to contain several active constituents including cannabinol.
cannabidiol. cannin. cannabol. Also present are a volatile oil containing terpenes and a sesquiterpene,
cholin, and trigonelline. According to some authorities the male and female plants differ in composition and it
has also been claimed that hemp grown in temperate climates differs in composition from that grown in the
tropics. Ganja has been included in the pharmacopoeias of Britain, United States of America and India. (3, 10.
17. l8. 23. 26. 27. 39. 61).
CANELLACEAE
The family comprises a few woody tropical species with aromatic bark. Essential oils,
mannitol. galactan, xylan and araban occur.
CANELLA WINTERANA Gaertin. (= G. alba Sw.) Wild Cinnamon: White Cinnamon; Whitewood
Bark; Canella; False Winter's Bark.
The bark of Canella winterana is commonly sold in the markets of Jamaica and, soaked in rum. it
provides a favourite embrocation for pains. A little of the liquid may be drunk in cases of stomach pains. It has
been known in Europe as a spice since the seventeenth century and was used as aromatic bitter and stimulant. It
is an ingredient of Riera Picra. The drug Canella was at one time included in the pharmacopoeias. It has been
used in the treatment of dyspepsia. dysentery. rheumatism. gout and syphilis and in the West Indies had some
reputation as a cephalic( in the form of snuff) and antiscorbutic. Canella contains 0.75 to 1.25% volatile oil with
loa-pinene, eugenol, cineole. caryophyllene; about 8 % resin and 8 % mannitol.