Acaciae Cortex, I.C.A. Acacia Bark.
Related entry: Acaciae gummi, Gum acacia
Acacia or Babul bark is obtained from Acacia arabica, Willd. (N.O. Leguminosae), a tree which grows in India, Arabia, and Africa; or from A. decurrens, Willd., which is indigenous to Australia. The former is a hard, reddish-brown bark, frequently covered with a thick, blackish periderm; the latter is somewhat twisted and incurved. The bark is collected from wild or cultivated trees at least seven years old, and should be allowed to mature for twelve months before use.
Constituents.—Acacia bark contains tannin (about 22 per cent.) and gallic acid.
Action and Uses.—Acacia bark is a powerful astringent; it is employed as a substitute for oak bark, chiefly in the form of decoction, as an astringent gargle, lotion, or injection.
PREPARATION.
- Decoctum Acaciae Corticis, I.C.A.—DECOCTION OF ACACIA BARK.
- Acacia bark, bruised, 6.25; distilled water, sufficient to produce 100. Dose.—15 to 60 mils (½ to 2 fluid ounces).
