A gum-resin obtained from garcinia hunburii Hooker filius (nat. ord.
guttiferae).
HABITAT.--Southern Asia.
PROPERTIES.--In cylindrical pieces, usually hollow in the center,
externally grayish orange-brown, longitudinally striate; fracture
conchordal, orange-red, waxy and somewhat porous; inodorous; taste very
acid. Powder bright yellow, sternutatory, containing few or no starch
grains. Not more than 25 per cent should be soluble in alcohol; ash not
more than 3 per cent.
DOSE.--Horses, ¹⁄₂ to 1 oz.; cattle, 1 to 1¹⁄₂ oz.; sheep and pigs, 20
grs. to 1 dr.; dogs, 5 to 10 grs.
ACTIONS.--Gamboge is a drastic, hydragogue purgative, and slightly
diuretic. Its action is uncertain and often violent, with production of
griping pains. Large doses cause vomiting in the dog and
gastro-enteritis in all that cannot vomit. Gamboge is dissolved by the
bile and alkaline intestinal juices and some of it is absorbed, since it
colors the urine yellow in its elimination and occasions diuresis.
USES.--Gamboge should never be prescribed alone. It has been recommended
in obstinate constipation, indigestion, impaction of the third stomach,
and brain diseases of cattle, conjoined with salts, or rubbed up with
water and an equal amount of aloes (each one ounce).