Black Catechu
**Name of plant:**
Black catechu
Traditional Lore:
Black catechu (Senegalia catechu, formerly Acacia catechu) has been valued across the Indian subcontinent and Southeast Asia for centuries as a source of catechu, a dark, astringent extract prepared from the tree's heartwood. Traditional Ayurvedic and Unani practitioners employed catechu for conditions involving the mouth, throat, digestive system, and skin, while the extract also became an important ingredient in betel chewing throughout South Asia. Beyond medicine, the tree provided durable timber, tannins for leatherworking, and dyes used in textiles and crafts. Its economic and medicinal importance made black catechu a familiar and highly regarded resource in many traditional communities, where the preparation and trade of catechu formed part of local cultural and commercial life.
Family:
Fabaceae — Legume family
(Subfamily: Mimosoideae)
Genus and species:
*Acacia catechu* (L.f.) Willd.
Synonym: *Senegalia catechu* (L.f.) P.J.H.Hurter & Mabb.
Other names:
Black catechu, Black cutch, Cutch, Catechu, Cachou, Khair, Khadira, Khadira tree, Katha, Kattha, Khoyer
Brief introduction:
Black catechu is the concentrated extract of the heartwood of *Acacia catechu*, a deciduous tree native to the Indian subcontinent and parts of Southeast Asia. The tree is valued for its exceptionally tannin- and flavonoid-rich heartwood.
Two traditional products are particularly associated with the tree: **katha**, a concentrated heartwood extract used medicinally and as an ingredient in betel preparations, and **cutch**, a darker tannin-rich extract historically used in tanning, dyeing, and other industries. Black catechu has a long history in Ayurvedic, Unani, traditional Chinese, and regional folk medicine. ([pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov](https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9697042/))
Traditional uses:
* Astringent treatment for diarrhea and dysentery
* Mouth, gum, and throat complaints, including ulcers and stomatitis
* Topical treatment of wounds, sores, ulcers, and inflammatory skin conditions
* Traditional treatment of cough, bronchitis, and other respiratory complaints
* Traditional use for diabetes, inflammation, and fever
Black catechu has particularly strong traditional associations with the mouth and gastrointestinal tract because of its concentrated tannins and catechins. ([pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov](https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9298633/))
Historical use:
* Used extensively in Ayurvedic medicine as **Khadira**
* Heartwood extract incorporated into Ayurvedic preparations including Khadirarishta
* Used in traditional Chinese medicine as **Ercha** for cough, dysentery, and skin lesions
* Used as a component of betel preparations in South and Southeast Asia
* Cutch extract historically used as a tannin, dye, and leather-tanning material
The heartwood extract has also been traditionally used as a chewing-stick preparation and for maintaining oral hygiene. ([pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov](https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9697042/))
Parts used and method of use:
* Heartwood — principal source of black catechu
* Bark — also used medicinally
Used as:
* Concentrated aqueous heartwood extract (katha/catechu)
* Decoction of heartwood or bark
* Powdered or solidified extract
* Gargle, mouth rinse, topical wash, or paste
Use in healing (modern herbal practice):
* Traditional astringent for diarrhea
* Traditional topical treatment for wounds and ulcers
* Oral hygiene and management of gum inflammation
* Traditional treatment for mouth ulcers and stomatitis
* Investigated for anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antioxidant, and glucose-lowering activity
Modern research supports considerable pharmacological activity in extracts of *A. catechu*, but most evidence remains laboratory- or animal-based. Human clinical research remains comparatively limited. ([pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov](https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6680240/))
Pharmacology and biochemistry:
* Catechin and epicatechin
* Epigallocatechin and epigallocatechin gallate
* Tannins, procyanidins, and related polyphenols
Mechanisms:
* Tannins produce strong astringent activity through interaction with proteins and mucous membranes
* Catechins and related polyphenols provide antioxidant and free-radical-scavenging activity
* Polyphenolic constituents demonstrate antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory effects in experimental systems
Overall profile:
A highly concentrated tannin- and catechin-rich medicinal extract with strong traditional use as an astringent, oral medicine, wound remedy, and gastrointestinal preparation. Its chemistry provides plausible mechanisms for antimicrobial, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory activity, but clinical evidence remains limited. ([pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov](https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9697042/))
Common dosage:
* Decoction: Traditional preparations vary considerably according to indication; no standardized modern therapeutic dose is established
* Solid heartwood extract (katha): Traditionally used in small quantities; standardized therapeutic dosing varies by preparation
* Gargle/mouthwash: Diluted decoction or extract used as needed for oral and throat conditions
* Topical paste/wash: Diluted extract applied to wounds, ulcers, or irritated skin
Because black catechu is a concentrated extract rather than simply dried plant material, preparations of different strengths cannot be assumed to be therapeutically equivalent.
Safety factors (including side effects):
* High tannin concentrations may cause gastrointestinal irritation, nausea, or constipation
* Concentrated preparations may interfere with absorption of iron and other minerals
* Internal use of highly concentrated extracts should be undertaken cautiously because standardized safety data are limited
* People with known sensitivity to *Acacia* species should discontinue use if allergic symptoms develop
* Long-term high-dose medicinal use has not been adequately evaluated in humans
First aid / adverse reaction response:
* Gastrointestinal irritation or nausea: Discontinue use and seek medical advice if symptoms are significant or persistent
* Constipation: Discontinue or reduce concentrated preparations and maintain adequate hydration
* Suspected allergic reaction: Discontinue exposure; seek urgent medical attention for breathing difficulty, facial swelling, or collapse
* Suspected ingestion of an excessive quantity of concentrated extract: Contact a poison-control centre or seek medical attention
Drug interactions:
* Tannins may reduce absorption of orally administered medicines when taken simultaneously
* Tannins may reduce absorption of iron and other minerals
* Theoretical additive effects are possible with other strongly astringent medicines
* There is insufficient clinical evidence to establish a comprehensive interaction profile for concentrated *A. catechu* preparations
Horticultural requirements:
* USDA / Canadian zone: Approximately 9–11; frost-sensitive and primarily suited to tropical and subtropical climates
* Soil pH: Approximately 5.5–8.0; adaptable to a range of soils
* Light requirements: Full sun
* Moisture: Moderate; prefers well-drained soils and tolerates relatively dry conditions once established
* Other notes (growth habit, harvest timing, etc.):
* Deciduous, thorny tree capable of reaching approximately 15–20 m
* Produces small pale-yellow to cream-colored flowers in cylindrical spikes
* Produces flattened pods containing several seeds
* Heartwood becomes dark brown to nearly black with age and concentration of tannins
* Naturally occurs in dry deciduous forests, woodland, hillsides, and open scrub
* Propagation is primarily by seed
* Medicinal heartwood is generally obtained from mature trees, making sustainable cultivation important
Sampling of clinical reports / studies:
* Human clinical research on *A. catechu* remains limited. A 12-week randomized controlled safety study examined a combination product containing *A. catechu* and *Scutellaria baicalensis* extracts in people with knee osteoarthritis; the study found the preparation was tolerated and reported anti-inflammatory effects, but this does not establish efficacy for black catechu alone. ([pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov](https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6680240/))
* Experimental pharmacological studies demonstrate antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antidiarrheal, antipyretic, antinociceptive, antihyperglycemic, and other activities in extracts of *A. catechu*. ([pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov](https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9697042/))
* Phytochemical studies identify catechin, epicatechin, epigallocatechin, procyanidins, quercetin, taxifolin, gallic acid, and numerous other polyphenolic constituents. ([pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov](https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9697042/))
* In vitro antimicrobial research has demonstrated activity against organisms including *Staphylococcus aureus*, *Escherichia coli*, *Salmonella*, *Pseudomonas*, and *Candida*, although laboratory activity should not be equated with clinical effectiveness. ([pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov](https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3209846/))
* Overall assessment: Black catechu has a substantial Asian medicinal tradition and unusually well-characterized polyphenolic chemistry. Its astringent, antimicrobial, and antioxidant properties are strongly supported experimentally, while human clinical evidence remains insufficient to establish standardized therapeutic indications or dosing for the extract itself. ([pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov](https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6680240/))
Educational Use Only: The information presented on this page is provided for educational, historical, and informational purposes only. ArdNemeton na Tuatha and Bhùth Draoi do not provide medical advice. Always consult your physician and pharmacist before using any herb, mushroom, supplement, or botanical product for medicinal purposes. Traditional uses described herein do not constitute medical claims.
