Definition. - An extract prepared from the leaves and twigs of Ourouparia Gambir (Hunter) Bailion. Both drugs contain a large percentage of tannic acid and its compounds. Gambir was introduced on account of the difficulty of obtaining in the market true Acacia catechu. The Tinctura Catechu Composita and the Trochisci Catechu (U. S. P., 1890) are replaced by tinctura gambiris composita and trochisci gambiris.

Description and Properties. - Irregular masses or cubes about 25 mm. in diameter, externally reddish-brown, pale brownish-gray or light brown; fracture dull earthy, friable, crystalline, inodorous, bitterish, very astringent, with a sweetish aftertaste.

Dose. - Average dose: 15 grains (1 Gm.), U. S. P.

This takes the place of Catechu of the Pharmacopoeia of 1890. Catechu is an extract prepared from the wood of Acacia catechu (natural order of Leguminosae).

Official Preparations

Tinctura Gambiris Compotsita - Tincturae Gambiris Compositae - Compound Tincture of Gambir. - Dose, 1/2-2 fluidrams (2.0-8.0 Cc). (Gambir, 50; Saigon cinnamon, 25; by maceration and percolation with diluted alcohol to 1000.)

Trochisci Gambiris - Trochiscos (acc.) Gambiris - Troches of Gambir. - Dose, 1-6 troches. (Each troche contains 1 grain (0.06 Gm.) of gambir.)

Physiological Action. - Gambir and catechu do not differ in their action from tannic acid. Both gambir and catechu depend on tannic acid for their activity. They show no variations in therapeutic activities. Being less soluble, their action on the intestines is more prolonged.