18321. Misbranding of   Gum-Rub.     U.   S.   v.   66   Package!   of   Gum-Rub. 
Default   decree   of   condemnation,   forfeiture,   and   destruction, i
(F. & D. No. 26121.   I. S. No. 27887.    S. No. 4392.)
Examination of a drug product, known as Gum-Rub, from the shipments . 
herein described having shown that the bottle and carton labels and accom- 
panying circular contained statements representing that the article possessed 
curative and therapeutic properties which it did not possess, the Secretary 
of Agriculture reported the matter to the United States attorney for the 
Eastern District of Pennsylvania.
On March 27, 1931, the United States attorney filed in the District Court of 
the United States for the district aforesaid a libel praying seizure and con- 
demnation of 66 packages of Gum-Rub, remaining in the original unbroken 
packages at Philadelphia, Pa., consigned by Gum-Rub (Inc.), Detroit, Mich., 
alleging that the article had been shipped from Detroit, Mich., in part on or 
about November 25, 1930, and in part on or about January 28, 1931, and had 
been transported from the State of Michigan into the State of Pennsylvania, 
and charging misbranding in violation of the food and drugs act as amended.
Analysis of a sample of the article by this department showed that it con- 
sisted essentially of sulphur (22 per cent), glycerin, gum, and water, flavored 
with peppermint oil.
It was alleged in the libel that the article was misbranded in that the 
following statements regarding its curative or therapeutic effects, appearing 
in the labeling, were false and fraudulent, since the said article contained 
no ingredient or combination of ingredients capable of producing the effects 
claimed:  (Carton) "A Treatment for Pyorrhea and Lesser Gum Disorders
* * * A Home treatment for and in prevention of pyorrhea, and its fore- ' 
runners-receding, bleeding, tender and flabby gums, gum ailments concurrent 
with pregnancy * * * gingivitis; for starved or undernourished gums. To 
revitalize the circulation, as a toner. * * * A Home treatment for and in 
prevention of pyorrhea, and its forerunners-bleeding, receding, spongy gums 
and other gum disorders * * * Gum-Rub maintains health and vigor in 
the gums;" (bottle) " For Pyorrhea, Receding, Bleeding, Spongy and starved 
or undernourished gums * * * Gum ailments during pregnancy * * * 
Also, in prevention;" (circular) "Gum-Rub maintains health, vigor, * * * - 
in the gums. Furthermore, Gum-Rub is a scientific treatment of mechanico- 
therapy value in pyorrhea and its forerunners; bleeding and receding gums, 
and other gum ailments, both for professional use and as a home treatment.
* * * Treatments. Pyorrhea * * * In treating pyorrhea it is important 
to maintain proper nourishment in the gums in order to build up the impaired 
tissues, * * * For these prime requisites Gum-Rub, in one operation, 
quickly and effectively resuscitates the circulation, thereby aiding nature in 
rebuilding the impaired tissues * * * Receding Gums are generally due to 
the superficial gum surfaces having been denied nourishment. Thus the gums 
have shrunken or atrophied. If this condition is allowed to progress, finally 
the underlying structure also becomes deprived of proper nourishment, and 
becomes a positive forerunner of, and leads to pyorrhea. Treatment: In reced- 
ing gums it is necessary to revivify the circulation so that fresh blood reaches 
the undernourished parts and rebuilds the tissue which has shrunken. Gum- 
Rub treatment promptly revitalizes the circulation. * * * In cases of 
marked recedence of gums, * * * the quantity of Gum-Rub should not 
be cut down if it is hoped to overcome this gum disease and avoid pyorrhea.
* * * Bleeding Gums * * * Too long delay and continued neglect of 
a bleeding condition may lead to pyorrhea. Treatment: To overcome bleeding 
gums, it is necessary to cause the tiny blood vessels to empty themselves and 
revivify the impaired circulation, * * * The time required to overcome 
bleeding gum conditions will vary and depends upon how badly the circulation 
Is impaired. However, you will feel an improvement after the very first 
Gum-Rub treatment * * * The treatment should be continued until the 
gums,have returned to a normally healthy condition. Thereafter Gum-Rub, 
once a day will aid in preventing the recurrence of this condition. * * * 
Flabby Gum Conditions-Due to undernourishment. Revitalization of the 
circulation and cleanliness are necessary. Spongy and flabby gums respond 
rapidly to Gum-Rub treatment as in one operation Gum-Rub revitalizes the 
circulation * * * Furthermore, by keeping the mouth clean one can often 
avoid various diseases of the gums. Dental hygienists are today using Gum-Rub 
as a part of their oral prophylaxis routine. * * * In Pregnancy-During* 
the earlier months, disorders occur in the secretion of saliva and in the blood 
supply of the gums.   As time goes on, an increase in gum infection and tooth
decay may follow, ending in rapid and hopeless tooth destruction and chronic 
pyorrhea. Early treatment with Guin-Rub will prevent this unfortunate sequels 
* * * Bear in mind that gum diseases are not a temporary or overnight 
condition, but the result of having neglected minor afflictions over a long period 
of time. Usually gum diseases reach a semi-serious or serious stage before- 
the patient commences treatment. Thus, treatment with Gum-Rub should not 
be discontinued because gums show a superficial improvement, due to the- 
-quick action of Gum Rub, but the treatment with Gum Rub should be conf- 
tinued until your dentist pronounces your gums as having returned to a normal 
and healthy condition. Thereafter, treatment once a day should be con- 
tinued as a prevention against recurrence of the disease."
On April 20, 1931, no claimant having appeared for the property, judgment 
of condemnation and forfeiture was entered, and it was ordered by the court 
that the product be destroyed by the United States marshal.
ABTHTJB M. HYDE, Secretary of Agriculture.