Acacia catechu Oliver (Fabaceae/Leguminosae)

Abstract

The tree is native to India, Sri Lanka, Malabar and Singapore. Kattha is prepared by boiling the wood in water and then evaporating the brew; the resultant hard material is powdered and chewed with betel leaves and lime with or without tobacco by a large number of the people of Indian subcontinent as an addictive psychostimulating and euphoria-inducing formulation. It is a powerful astringent used to treat loosened teeth, as a gargle in sore throat and hoarseness of voice, and in stomatitis and diarrhea, and its powder is sprinkled on wounds and injuries. It also kills intestinal worms, and is beneficial in intestinal ulcers, colic, diarrhea, and prevents spermatorrhea. In Ayurveda, the dried heartwood is used in kustha, vrana, śotha, and prameha. It is a rich source of catechin and epicatechin (gallic acid derivatives), and small amounts of flavonoids. It is reported to possess antibacterial, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, tissue protectant, antihyperglycemic, antineoplastic, antidiarrheal, analgesic, and antipyretic activities. Its aqueous extract significantly increases phagocytic index, and protects against CP-induced neutropenia and increases serum immunoglobulin levels. Significant hypoglycemic effect of methanol extract against glucose-induced hyperglycemia and antinociceptive activity against acetic acid-induced gastric pain in mice have been reported. Methanol extract is also protective against iron overload-induced liver damage. The hypotensive effect of the aqueous extract is suggested to be bradykinin-related.