Guaiacum; Lignum vitae

Japanese: ユソウボク(癒瘡木) - ユソウボク（英語表記）guaiacum; lignum vitae

This is the name given to the wood of Guaiacum officinale and G. sanctum , both of which belong to the Tribulariaceae family. Both species are evergreen tall trees native to the West Indies and the northern coast of South America. The heartwood of the xylem contains guaiaconate and other resinous substances and was used to treat syphilis. It was also said to be effective against many diseases and was called the "sacred Indian tree" or "tree of life" in Latin, Lignum vitae. The resin has the property of turning blue-purple when oxidized, so its tincture is used as a detection reagent for oxidizing agents and other purposes.

Source: Encyclopaedia Britannica Concise Encyclopedia About Encyclopaedia Britannica Concise Encyclopedia Information

Japanese:

ハマビシ科の Guaiacum officinaleと G. sanctumの材についた名である。両種とも西インド諸島，南アメリカ北部海岸に自生する常緑高木で，木部の心材はグアヤコン酸その他の樹脂分を含み，梅毒の治療に用いた。また多くの病気にきくとされて，「聖なるインドの木」「生命の木」ラテン語でリグヌム・ビタエと呼ばれた。樹脂は酸化により青紫色を呈する性質があるので，そのチンキを酸化剤などの検出試薬に用いる。

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