Catechu(Pale)

Synonym: Gambier,Gambir
Botanical Source: Pale catechu Consist of the dried acqous extarct prepared from the leaves & shools of uncaria gambier
Family:Rubiaceae

Morphology

Form: smaller cubes
Colour: Dull greyish brown to dark reddish brown externally and pale brown internally
Odour: None
Surface: Dull,farcture brittle
Active Constituents
Taste: bitter to start with turns sweet and finally astringent
Tannis-catachins(7-33%) ,catachutannic acid(22-50%) , Flavonoids-quercetin and a fluoresent substance-gambir fluoresin


Uses:

1.Astringent
2.Used in case of diarrhoea
3.Used as dye and tanning industries