About Gambier (Gambir)

Gambier is produced by processing young leafy shoots of the Uncaria gambir plant. It is valued for its high catechin content, strong astringent character, and natural brown coloration, making it suitable as both a functional ingredient and a natural additive.

• Botanical source: Uncaria gambir
• Product type: Natural extract (solid/semi-solid blocks)
• Origin: Indonesia
• Typical applications: Leather tanning, natural dye, herbal formulations, food ingredient, cosmetic raw material, betel nut mixture

Production Process

1. Harvesting – Young leafy shoots of the Uncaria gambir plant are carefully hand-picked to ensure optimum tannin and catechin content.
2. Boiling – The fresh leaves are boiled in water until they absorb the liquid and turn brownish, releasing active compounds such as catechins and tannins.
3. Extraction & Concentration – The extract is separated from the plant material and further boiled down to a thick, syrup-like concentrate rich in active components.
4. Molding & Drying – The concentrated extract is poured into molds (cube or coin shapes) and sun-dried until it forms a semi-solid, porous mass known as Gambier.

This combination of traditional processing and quality inspection ensures a stable product that meets industrial and export requirements.

Main Uses of Gambier

• Leather Tanning Agent – Natural vegetable tanning extract producing leather with rich brown tones, good softness, and excellent finish.
• Natural Brown Dye – Eco-friendly brown dye for textiles, yarn, handicrafts, and traditional fabrics.
• Food Additive & Traditional Ingredient – Used in specific regional cuisines in small quantities for functional and flavor purposes (subject to local regulations).
• Herbal & Traditional Medicine – Utilized for its astringent and bitter characteristics in various traditional remedies.
• Cosmetic Ingredient – Potential ingredient for natural skincare, tightening, and anti-aging formulations due to its antioxidant properties.
• Betel Nut Chewing – Traditional component in betel nut mixtures widely practiced in Southeast Asia.

Physical Characteristics

• Form: Cube or coin-shaped blocks (approx. 2–3 cm diameter)
• Color: Dull reddish-brown exterior, pale brown porous interior
• Taste: Bitter and astringent with a slightly sweet aftertaste
• Odor: Odorless or almost odorless
• Packaging: Gunny sacks or cardboard boxes (± 50 kg per unit)

Gambier Grades Available

We supply several industrially recognized Gambier grades to match different application needs:

• Gambier Bootch Yellow – Preferred for food-related and cosmetic applications; higher catechin content and suitable for premium natural extract formulations.
• Gambier Bootch Brown – Commonly used in traditional practices and general industrial usage with balanced catechin levels.
• Gambier Bootch Black – Ideal for leather tanning and natural dyeing industries where darker color and strong astringency are required.

Technical Specification

Custom specifications can be discussed based on your target application and local regulatory requirements.

Packaging & Shipping

• Standard packing: Gunny sacks or cardboard boxes, ± 50 kg per unit
• Container loading: 20′ or 40′ containers, FCL or LCL
• Export documents: Invoice, Packing List, Bill of Lading, Certificate of Origin, and others as required

Private Label & Custom Cooperation

We are ready to support private label projects and long-term supply contracts. Our team can assist with packing, labeling, and coordination with other Indonesian natural products in one shipment.

Contact Indo Agriculture

For quotations, technical data, and sample requests, please contact us:

Indo Agriculture (PT. RGP)
Jl. Raya Pajajaran Kav. E-59, Bogor, West Java – Indonesia
Phone/WhatsApp: +62 811-2622-234
Email: info[at]indoagriculture.com

Please include your required grade, application, and expected monthly volume so we can offer the most suitable specification and pricing.