Pale – Catechu

Synonym                                              :  Gambier , Gambir ,Catechu etc .

Biological source                                  :  It is a  dried aquous extract of leaves and young             

                                                               roots of Uncaria gambier  .

Scientific name                          :  Uncaria gambier

Family                                                  :  Rubiaceae .

Geographical distribution                       :  It is found in south east Asian regions like Malysia ,

                                                                Singapore , Indonesia .

Organoleptic / Morphological Evaluation :

i)  Colour                                  -  Reddish Brown  .

ii) Odour                                  -  None  .

iii) Taste                                   -  Highly astringent taste which first appears bitter and

                                                      then sweet .  .

iv)  Shape                                 -  Cuboidal mass .

            v) Extra Features                      -  When broken it shows Cinnamon brown colour and

                                                                 porous nature .

Chemical Constituents : The drug contains Condensed tannins in the form of

                                        Catachins ( 7 – 33% ) , Catechu tannic acid ( 22 – 50% ) and

                                        catechu red .

                                               The drug also contain Quercitin and Gambier fluorescin .

Identificcation Test

( I )  Matchstick test -It gives the test for catachine by dipping a match-stick in conc. Hcl and

                                   warming heat near  flame  .

( II )  Test for Gambier Fluorescin – The drug is extracted with alcohol and NaOH is added to the

                                                            extract followed by addition of few drops of light-petroleum .

                                                             The mixture is shaken an d kept for some-time ..

                                                                  Green fluorescence is observed in light petroleum layer

                                                             ( distinction from Black-catechu )

( III )  Small quantity of drug / powder is warmed with Chloroform and filter with Porcelin dish and

           evaporated to dryness .

                  It shows greenish yellow colour .

( IV ) With a mixture of Vanillin and Hcl , it shows pink or red colour .

Therapeutic uses :

i)                    It is used as an Astringent in the treatment of Diarrhoea .

ii)                   It is used as a local astringent in the form Lozens .

iii)                 It is mainly used in dyeing and tannin industry and also for protective of fishing nets .