ARAROBA

Syn. Araroba powder . Bahia powder . Goa powder . The pith or medulla of the stem and branches of a leguminous tree (a species of Centrolobium ) growing in Brazil. It is in extensive use amongst the natives of India, who employ it in affections of the skin. It has been applied with succe in shingles and ring-worm, in the form of ointment made as follows:— | Araroba in powder | 20 grains. | | Acetic acid | 10 drops. | | Benzoated lard | 1 ounce. | Dr Attfield found the powder to contain from 80 to 84 per cent. of chrysophanic acid, to which substance its remedial powers are doubtle due. It is now the chief source of this acid.