348 POWDERED VEGETABLE DRUGS 



94. (Fig. 101.) GAMBIR. Gambir. Catechu. 



The dried extract from decoctions of the leaves and twigs of Ourou- 

 paria Gambir Bail., Rubiaceae. 



Brown color. 



Practically odorless. 



Bitter and very astringent. 



The gum particles gradually dissolve in the water mount, showing 

 a crystalline structure, the fragments of which closely resemble bac- 

 teria. True bacteria may also be present. Soluble in water as well 

 as in alcohol. The diagnostic inclusions are the simple, mostly single- 

 celled brownish rather thick-walled trichomes, some of which may be 

 broken. . 



Ash about 5 per cent. 



Vegetable tissue should be wanting excepting the above described 

 trichomes. There should be no distinct angular resin particles, nor 

 many larger prismatic crystals. Sand and dirt may be present in 

 excess. 



