Gumgut
Historical document, translated for reference. It reflects medical knowledge of the 1920s–30s and is not medical advice.
Summary
Gumgut is a concentrated milky sap from plants of the Guttiferae-Clusioideae family, found in Siam, Cambodia, and Ceylon. It is used as a strong laxative in medicine and in technical applications for varnishes and yellow watercolor paint.
Encyclopedia entry (1928–1936)
GUMGUT, or gutti (Gummi-resina Gutti), is a concentrated milky sap from the plant Garcinia Hanburii H., Garcinia morella, and certain other species of the family Guttiferae-Clusioideae, growing in Siam, Cambodia, and Ceylon. Since the sap is collected in bamboo tubes and dries in them, it is sold in the form of yellow cylindrical sticks. It consists of resin, the main component of which is gambogic acid, and gum, and according to Tschirch, also alpha-, beta-, and gamma-garcinolic acids. With water, G. immediately forms a yellow-colored emulsion. It is considered a strong laxative. Doses: 0.1-0.2 several times a day (0.3! according to F IV), in powders, pills, and emulsions for edemas and dropsies. The remedy is not safe, cases of poisoning have been described. In technology, it is used in the production of spirit varnishes and in painting as a yellow watercolor paint.
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Cite this page
“Gumgut.” Soviet Medical Encyclopedia. English translation of Bolshaya Meditsinskaya Entsiklopediya, 1st ed. (Moscow, 1928–1936), ed. N. A. Semashko. https://sovietmedicalencyclopedia.pages.dev/article/gumgut/