ANGOSTURA BARK, the bark of Cusparia f ebri f uga, is used in the form of an extract as an astringent to increase the appetite, to stimulate gastric secretion and as a tonic. Its effect, best obtained by administration a few minutes before meals, is due to the bitter alkaloid cusparine. Its action is probably a reflex one between the taste buds and the gastric glands. Angos tura bark is now very seldom prescribed.