General Introduction
Catechu, also known as cutch or katha, is a natural extract derived from certain species of the Acacia and Uncaria genera. It is widely used in traditional medicine, food, and industrial applications due to its astringent, antioxidant, and antimicrobial properties. Catechu is classified into two types based on its origin and processing:
- Black Catechu (Cutch or Khair Wood Extract) – Extracted from Acacia catechu
- Pale Catechu (Gambier) – Derived from Uncaria gambir
Composition
Catechu contains a variety of bioactive compounds, primarily polyphenols, flavonoids, and tannins. The key components include:
Catechin (Flavan-3-ol) – Major bioactive constituent
Epicatechin
Quercetin
Phlobatannins
Resins
Gum
Oxalates
Chemistry & Chemical Classes
Catechu mainly belongs to the flavonoid and tannin classes of phytochemicals. The major chemical classes in catechu include:
Flavanols (Catechins and Epicatechins) – Provide antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties
Tannins (Condensed Tannins/Proanthocyanidins) – Responsible for the astringency
Phenolic Acids – Enhance antimicrobial activity
Glycosides – Exhibit pharmacological activities
Catechin and epicatechin, the major polyphenols, undergo oxidation and polymerization to form tannins, which contribute to catechu’s astringency and medicinal properties.
Bio-Sources
The primary plant sources of catechu include:
1. Acacia catechu (Black Catechu) – Found in India, China, and Myanmar
2. Uncaria gambir (Pale Catechu) – Native to Indonesia and Malaysia
3. Acacia suma – Found in Africa and parts of Asia
Catechu is extracted by boiling the wood or leaves of these plants in water, followed by evaporation to obtain a solid residue.
Therapeutic Uses of Catechu
Catechu has been extensively utilized in both traditional and modern medicine for its diverse health benefits, including:
Astringent – Helps in the treatment of diarrhea, dysentery, and gum diseases by tightening tissues and reducing inflammation.
Antioxidant – Protects against oxidative stress-related diseases by neutralizing free radicals.
Anti-inflammatory – Beneficial for skin conditions, ulcers, and sore throat by reducing swelling and irritation.
Antimicrobial – Exhibits broad-spectrum activity against bacteria and fungi, aiding in infection control.
Hepatoprotective – Shields liver cells from damage, promoting liver health.
Cardioprotective – Supports heart health by lowering cholesterol levels and reducing cardiovascular risk.
Wound Healing – Enhances skin regeneration, aiding in the recovery of wounds, cuts, and burns.
Analgesic – Provides natural pain relief, traditionally used for joint pain and muscle soreness.
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Commercial Applications
Catechu is commercially utilized in various industries, including pharmaceuticals, food, cosmetics, and textiles. Some of its major applications are:
Pharmaceutical Industry – Used in herbal formulations, mouthwashes, and ointments
Food Industry – Employed as a natural flavoring and coloring agent in paan (betel leaf preparations) and confectioneries
Cosmetic Industry – Incorporated in skincare and hair dye products due to its astringent properties
Leather and Textile Industry – Used in tanning leather and dyeing fabrics due to its tannin content
Ayurvedic and Unani Medicine – Included in traditional formulations for digestive and respiratory ailments
Catechu is a versatile plant-derived product with significant medicinal, industrial, and commercial applications. Its rich polyphenolic composition makes it a valuable ingredient in traditional and modern therapeutic formulations. Ongoing research continues to explore its potential in pharmaceuticals, nutraceuticals, and environmental sustainability.
