psoralea

[Fem. of Gr. psöraleos =itchy, scabby, from the little tubercles with which most of the species are covered.] 1. Bot .: The typical genus of Psoraliese (q. v.). Psoralea coryfolia is considered by Indian doctors to be stomachic and de-obstruent. An extract from it, prepared with oil or ointment, is used externally in leprosy. Camels are fond of P. plicata. 2. Palæobot .: Occurs in the Italian Pliocene. psör-ā-li-e-æ, s. pl . [Mod. Lat. psoral ( ea ); fem. pl. adj. suff.- ieœ .] Bot.: A sub-tribe of Lotese (q. v.). psör-a-line, subst. [Mod. Lat. psoral (ea); -ine ( Chem.).] Chem. The name given to a crystallizable nitrogenous substance obtained from the leaves of Pso rale a glandulosa , Paraguay tea. It is now believed to be identical with caffeine, which is present to the extent of 1.2 per cent. in the dried leaves.