Kusam Seeds

Seven species of tender, evergreen shrubs makes up this genus, which occurs in tropica Asia, Africa, and Australia. All are extremely bitter. The berries are used to treat dysentery, and so well known for this purpose that one species is named B. antidysenterica. This species and B. sumatrana were listed in The Illustrated Dictionary of Gardening (ed. G. Nicholson, 1885), as "ornamental stove evergreen shrubs clothed with rufescent down". They are seldom seen in cultivation today, even in botanic gardens. Brucea javanica was first recorded in Chinese medicine c.CE720, and was described in a Vietnamese herbal in the 14th century. It is used in folk medicine to kill maggots and also internally for hemmorhoids. Research has shown that the seeds and seed oil are effective against warts and papillomas. Brucea is named after James Bruce (1730-94), author of Travels to the Source of the Nile, who in 1790 learned the use of B. antidysenterica from local people when suffering from dysentery in Abyssinia (now Ethiopia).

Shrub with downy branches and pinnately divided leaves to 30cm (12in) long, with 9 ovate, pointed leaflets. Small, purple, 4-petaled flowers are produced in axillary panicles in spring, followed by black berries, containing a single, flat seed.

Common Name:	Kusam
Botanical Name:	Brucea javanica
Genus:	Brucea
Family:	Simaroubaceae
Native Location:	Tropical E Asia to Australia
Cultivation:	Well-drained soil in sun or partial shade.
Propagation:	By seed sown in spring; by ripewood cuttings in sand.
Harvest:	Seeds are collected when ripe and the hard outer coating is removed.
Height:	2-3m (6-10ft)
:Width	2-3m (6-10ft)
Hardiness:	Min. 15-18°C (59-64°F)
Parts Used:	Seeds (ya dan zi).
Properties:	A bitter herb that lowers fever and is effective against a wide range of pathogens.
Medicinal Uses:	Internally for malaria, amebic dysentery, and vaginal yeast. Externally for warts and corns. Seeds are usually given whole, with dose and duration of treatment varying according to the complaint.
Bibliography:	Encylopedia of Herbs by Deni Brown Copyright ©: 1995, 2001 Dorling Kindersley Limited pg 147