Origin. - A gum-resin obtained from Garcinia Hanburii Hooker filius, a medium-sized tree, indigenous in Siam, Cambodia, and Cochin-China.

Description and Properties. - In cylindrical pieces, sometimes hollow in the center, I to 2 inches (2-5 Cm.) in diameter, longitudinally striate on the surface; fracture flattish-conchoidal, of a waxy luster, orange-red; in powder bright yellow; inodorous; taste very acrid; the powder sternutatory. Gamboge is partly soluble in alcohol and ether. Cambogic acid is thought to be its active principle.

Dose. - 1-5 grains (0.06-0.32 Gm.) [2 grains (0.125 Gm.), U. S. P.].

Official Preparation

Pilulae Catharticae Compotsitae - Pllulas (acc.) Catharticas Compositas -Compound Cathartic Pills. - Dose, 1-3 pills.

Physiological Action and Therapeutics. - Gamboge is a violent hydragogue purgative, exciting active peristalsis and greatly augmenting the secretion from the intestinal glands, although not increasing the secretion of bile. Small and repeated doses are slightly diuretic, coloring the urine yellow.

Gamboge is seldom given alone, being usually associated with other purgatives. It is used in combination when a hydragogue action by the kidneys, as well as the bowels, is desired. It is thought to be of use in hepatic congestion arising from malarial causes. The drug is an efficient anthelmintic, and is occasionally prescribed with vermicide medicines.