696 VEGETABLE DRUGS 



An extract prepared from the wood of Acacia Catechu 

 (Linne filius) Willdenow (nat. ord. Leguminosae). 



Habitat. — India and Africa. 



Properties. — In irregular masses, containing fragments of 

 leaves, dark brown, brittle, somewhat porous and glossy 

 when freshly broken. It is nearly inodorous, and has a 

 strongly sweetish and astringent taste. 



Constituents. — 1, catechutannic acid (35-40 per cent.) is 

 the active principle ; it is converted into the isomeric inac- 

 tive catechuic acid, or catechin (CjiHjjOg + 5 HjO), by 

 the saliva and by boiling, a red color being developed. 

 There is also (2) catechu-red. 



Incompatibles. — Metallic salts, alkalies, and gelatin. 



Dose.—n., § ss.-i. (15.-30.); C, 5 i.-ii. (80.-60.); Sh. & Sw., 

 3i.-ii. (4.-8.); D., gr.v.-xxx. (.3-2.). 



PREPAEATIONS. 



Tinotura Catechu. (B. P.) 

 Dose.— H. & C, |i.-ii. (30.-60.); Foals, Calves and Sheep, gss.-i. 

 (15.-30.); D., 3ss.-ii. (3.-8.). 



Pulvis Catechu Compositus. Kino, Rhatany and Catechu. (B. P.) 

 Dose. — Same as catechu. ' 



Tinctura Gambir Composita. Compound Tincture of Gambir. 



(U. S. P.) 



Now replaces the compound tincture of catechu and possesses 

 the same action and is given in the same doses as the tincture. 



Administration. — The compound tincture, or an infusion 

 (made by pouring boiling water over catechu, digesting for 

 an hour, and straining), and the powder, are employed inter- 

 nally. The powder is given in flour gruel. The powder, or 

 an infusion of any strength may be applied externally. 



Catechu is represented in the B.P. by catechu pallidum, au 

 extract of the leaves and young shoots of Uncaria Gambler, 

 Eastern Archipelago. It occurs in brown cubes, about an 

 inch square, and possesses a bitter, astringent taste. It is 



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