Khadira (black catechu / cutch tree)

Acacia catechu

Edible plant

Ayurveda

Photo credit: Franz Eugen Köhler, Köhler's Medizinal-Pflanzen

Toxicity: Low at studied/food-adjacent doses; high tannin can cause GI upset/constipation.

Contraindications: Pregnancy (high-dose — caution); constipation; iron-deficiency (tannins bind iron).

Interactions: Tannins reduce absorption of iron, alkaloids and some drugs if co-administered; possible additive with antidiabetics.

Pregnancy & breastfeeding: Pregnancy: high-dose — caution.

Evidence level

Clinical

Supported by clinical trials in humans.

decoction · heartwood

Part used: heartwood

Evidence:Preclinical

powder · heartwood

Part used: heartwood

Evidence:Preclinical

lozenges/mouthwash · heartwood

Part used: heartwood

Traditional use: oral health

Evidence:Clinical

dried heartwood extract (katha/catechu) · heartwood

Part used: heartwood

Traditional use: skin disease, sore throat, mouth ulcers, diarrhea, wounds

Proposed mechanism: catechin and epicatechin (flavan-3-ols), tannins — astringent, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antidiarrheal

Evidence:Clinical

Edible parts: Katha (the extract) used in trace amounts in betel paan and as a food colorant/astringent; not eaten in quantity.

Many Acacia/Senegalia species look alike and some have other alkaloids — use authenticated catechu only.

Source of catechins (flavan-3-ols); not a staple food.

Ayurveda

Sources (2)