4359. Gambir

Nomenclature

Catechu; pale catechu; gambir catechu; terra japonica.

Description and references

Dried aqueous extract of leaves and twigs of Uncaria gambier (Hunter) Roxb. (Ourouparia gambier (Hunter) Baill.), Rubiaceae. Habit. Southern Asia. Constit. 7-30% catechol, 20-50% catechutannic acid; quercetin, catechu-red, gambir-fluorescein, fixed oil, wax. Contains not less than 70% water-sol substance and not less than 60% is sol in alcohol. Incompat: Iron compds, gelatin, limewater, mercuric chloride, zinc sulfate, alkalies.

Use

Tanning, dyeing fabrics brown or black.

Therapeutic Category

Astringent.

Therapeutic Category (Veterinary)

Astringent (intestinal).