GAMBOGE 585 



massage, rectal euemata, manual evacuation and repeated 

 doses of sweet oil. 



Oambogia. Gamboge. (U. S. & B. P.) 



Synonym. — Gutti, P.G.; gummi resina guttse s. gutti, 

 gutta gamba, cambodia, gutte, gomme-gutti, Fr.; gummi- 

 gutt, gutti, G. 



A gum-re^in obtained from Garcinia Hanburii Hooker 

 filius (nat. ord. Guttiferse). 



Habitat. — Siam, Anam, and Camboja. 



Properties. — In cylindrical pieces, sometimes tollow in 

 the centre, 2 to 5 Cm. in diameter, longitudinally striate on 

 the surface ; f lacture flattish, conchoidal, of a waxy lustre, 

 orange-red ; in powder bright-yellow ; inodorous ; taste very 

 acrid; the powder sternutatory. Gamboge is partially 

 soluble in alcohol and ether. When triturated with water it 

 yields a yellow emulsion, and forms with solution of potas- 

 sium or sodium hydrate an orange-red solution from which, 

 on the addition of hydrochloric acid, a yellow resin is 

 precipitated. 



Constituents. — 1, gambogic acid, a bright yellow or 

 orange-red resin, to the extent of about 75 per cent, of the 

 crude drug; it is not so active as the crude drug; 2, a 

 soluble gum. 

 ■ Dose.—lS.., I ss.-i. (15.-30.); C, I i.-i.ss. (30.-45.) ; Sh. & 

 Sw., gr.xx.- 3 i. (1.3-4); D., gr.v.-x. (.3-.6). , 



Action and Uses. — Gamboge is a drastic, hydragogue 

 purgative, and slightly diuretic. Its action is uncertain and . 

 often violent, with production of griping pains. Large doses 

 cause vomiting in carnivora and omnivora, and gastro-enter- 

 itis in all animals. 



Gamboge is dissolved by the bile and alkaline intestinal 

 juices and some of it is absorbed, since it colors the urine 

 yellow in its elimination and occasions diuresis. Attempts 

 to create catharsis by injection of gamboge into the blood, 

 have proved futile. Gamboge should never be prescribed 



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