Calumba

Calumba, or COLOMBO, used in medicine, is the root of Jateorhiza palmata, a Menispermaceous climber of Eastern Africa, which has been introduced into India. Sliced and dried, it has a greenish-yellow tint, a very bitter taste, and a faint aromatic odour. Its bitterness and other properties are ascribed to the presence of columbin, berberin, and columbic acid. It is a useful mild tonic and stomachic.—AMERICAN CALUMBA ROOT is obtained from Frasera Walteri, a gentianaceous biennial, and has properties like those of gentian.