GAMBIR—CATECHU
An extract prepared from the leaves and twigs of Ourouparia Gambir (Hunter), Ballon (Fam. Rubiaceae). U. S. “An extract of the leaves and young shoots of the Uncaria Gambir, Roxb.”
Habitat.—Africa and Southern Asia.
Description.—Irregular masses or cubes; reddish-brown, pale brownish-gray or light brown; fracture dull-earthy; friable, crystalline; inodorous, bitterish, very astringent, with a sweetish after-taste; free from starch. Not less than 70 per cent should be soluble in alcohol.
Constituents.—Catechutannic acid (about 45 per cent) is the active principle; it is converted into the isomeric inactive catchnic acid, or catchin, by the saliva and by boiling, a red color being developed. There is also pyrocatechin or catechol.
Incompatibles.—Alkalies, metallic salts and gelatine.
Dose.—Horses, 1⁄2 to 1 oz.; cattle, 1 to 2 oz.; sheep and pigs, 1 to 2 dr.; dogs, 5 to 30 gr.