A gum resin obtained from Garcinia Hanburii Hooker filius (nat. ord. Guttiferae).

Habitat

Anam, Camboja and Siam.

Characters

In cylindrical pieces, sometimes hollow in the centre, 2 to 5 cm. in diameter, longitudinally striate on the surface; fracture flattish-conchoidal, of a waxy lustre, orange-red; in powder bright yellow; inodorous; taste very acrid; the powder sternutatory.

Solubility

It is partly soluble in Alcohol and in Ether.

Composition

The chief constituents are - (1) A brilliant yellow Resin, Gambogic Acid, 65 to 80 per cent. (2) Gum, 16 to 26 per cent. This is soluble, so that an emulsion of Gambogic Acid is formed with water.

Impurities

Starch, woody fibre.

Gamboge is contained in Pilulae Catharticae Composite.

Dose, 1 to 5 gr.; .06 to .30 gm.

Action Of Gamboge

Gamboge is a drastic, hydragogue purgative, causing much griping, and, in large doses, great irritation of the alimentary canal. Most of it passes in the faeces, but some is absorbed, causing the urine to be yellow. It is slightly diuretic.

Therapeutics Of Gamboge

It is not often prescribed, as it is uncertain, and gripes considerably. It should never be given alone. It has been used as an anthelmintic.