A gum-resin obtained from garcinia hunburii Hooker filius (nat. ord. guttiferae).

Habitat.—Southern Asia.

Properties.—In cylindrical pieces, usually hollow in the center, externally grayish orange-brown, longitudinally striate; fracture conchordal, orange-red, waxy and somewhat porous; inodorous; taste very acid. Powder bright yellow, sternutatory, containing few or no starch grains. Not more than 25 per cent should be soluble in alcohol; ash not more than 3 per cent.

Dose.—Horses, ¹/₂ to 1 oz.; cattle, 1 to 1¹/₂ oz.; sheep and pigs, 20 grs. to 1 dr.; dogs, 5 to 10 grs.

Actions.—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 the dog and gastro-enteritis in all that cannot vomit. 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.

Uses.—Gamboge should never be prescribed alone. It has been recommended in obstinate constipation, indigestion, impaction of the third stomach, and brain diseases of cattle, conjoined with salts, or rubbed up with water and an equal amount of aloes (each one ounce).