Gum Arabic
Black Catechu
acacia catechu

DOSE
1 to 4 fluid drachms.
Syrup of Acacia,
British Pharmacopoeia Codex, used chiefly as a demulcent
in cough mixtures, is freshly prepared as required,
from 1 part of Gum Acacia Mucilage and 3 of syrup, the dose,
1 to 4 fluid drachms.

United States Pharmacopoeia Syrup of Acacia,
though regarded as a useful demulcent, is chiefly employed
as an agent for suspending powders in mixtures.

French Pharmacopoeia has a Syrup of Acacia and a potion
gommeuse made from powdered Acacia,
syrup and orange-flower water.

As a dry excipient, powdered Acacia is employed,
mixed in small proportion with powdered Marsh Mallow root,
or powdered Liquorice root.

A variation of this is a mixture of Acacia, 50 parts;
Liquorice root, 34 parts; Sugar, 16 parts, all in fine powder.

Another compound Acacia Powder used sparingly
as an absorbent pill excipient, is made of equal parts
of Gum Acacia and Tragacanth.

Gum Acacia is highly nutritious.
During the time of the gum harvest, the Moors of the desert
are said to live almost entirely on it, and it has been proved
that 6 oz. is sufficient to support an adult for twenty-four hours.

It is related that the Bushman Hottentots have been
known in times of scarcity to support themselves
on it for days together.

In many cases of disease, it is considered that
a solution of Gum Arabic may for a time constitute
the exclusive drink and food of the patient.



Source(s)

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