Catechu

Botanical Name - Acacia catechu


Category - Medicinal


Form - Dry


Part Used - Bark

General Information - "Catechu is an herb. The leaves, shoots, and wood are used to make medicine. Catechu is used for diarrhea, swelling of the nose and throat, dysentery, swelling of the colon (colitis), bleeding, indigestion, osteoarthritis, and cancer.
People apply catechu directly to the skin for skin diseases, hemorrhoids, and traumatic injuries; to stop bleeding; and for dressing wounds. Catechu is included in mouthwashes and gargles used for gum disease (gingivitis), pain and swelling inside the mouth (stomatitis), sore throat, and mouth ulcers.
In foods and beverages, catechu is used as a flavoring agent."


Phytochemicals - Acacia catechu heartwood are rich source of catechin and epicatechin (gallic acid derivatives), with smaller amounts of flavonoids.