Catechu

( Pharm.) An extract obtained from the wood of Acacia catechu, an East Indian tree, 20 to 40 feet high, whose wood is very heavy and durable. The heart-wood, which yields the C., is of a dark brown color. It is cut into chips, which are boiled in water until a strong decoction is obtained, which is then strained and evaporated until the extract becomes thick enough to be poured into moulds. As thus formed it composes ma es of various shapes, such as balls, circular cakes, or irregularly flattened pieces. This substance is of a rusty brown color, odorle , and with a bitter and astringent taste, though with a trace of sweet. ne . It frequently is largely contaminated with wood, sand, etc. In Great Britain true C. is replaced by an extract from another tree, Uncaria gambier , which has similar properties and is given the same name. C. is used in medicine to produce an astringent effect in cases of relaxation of the mucous membranes, particularly those of the stomach and intestines. It is commonly used in treating watery diarrhea, in the form. of a preparation known as compound tincture of C. It has also been used in the treatment of inflammations of the mucous membrane of the genito-urinary tract, and as a gargle and mouth-wash in certain affections of the membrane of the mouth and throat.