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.