Acacia catechu (Cutch Tree)

Acacia catechu (Cutch Tree)

Product Name: катеху тайский, Acacia catechu, Katechubaum, acacia de la India, acacia catechu, كاتشو, ประดู่กะเหรี่ยง, katechu akatsiyasi, кэтэчу акациясы, kateçu akasiyası, акация катеху, katėču akacija, kateču akācija, акація катеху, עֲקַצִיָּה קָטֶכוּ

Synonyms: акация катеху, catechu, cutch tree, black catechu, katha, catechu acacia, catechu tree, cachou, アカシア・カテチュー, กะเหรี่ยง, kattha

Used Parts: fruits, seeds, bark, wood, leaves, flowers, resin.

Main Indications for Acacia catechu: chronic gastritis, gastric and duodenal ulcers, chronic colitis, diarrhea of infectious and non-infectious etiology, gingivitis, stomatitis, pharyngitis, tonsillitis, chronic bronchitis, hyperglycemia, hyperlipidemia, inflammatory skin diseases, bleeding gums.

Use of Acacia catechu in Mixtures and Complexes: chronic hepatitis, liver cirrhosis, intestinal parasitic infections, chronic pyelonephritis, urethritis, prostatitis, irritable bowel syndrome, metabolic syndrome, anemia, osteoporosis.

Pharmacological Properties of Acacia catechu: antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, astringent, antimicrobial, hypoglycemic, hypolipidemic, hepatoprotective, immunomodulatory, wound-healing, anti-caries, antiseptic, antimutagenic, anthelmintic.

Dosage of Pharmaceutical Forms — Acacia catechu

Powder — Acacia catechu

Indications (Powder): chronic gastritis, gastric ulcer, duodenal ulcer, chronic colitis, diarrhea of infectious etiology, diarrhea of non-infectious etiology, gingivitis, stomatitis, pharyngitis, tonsillitis, chronic bronchitis, hyperglycemia, hyperlipidemia, inflammatory skin diseases, bleeding gums.

Standard Dosage (Powder): 1–2 grams of powder 2 times a day after meals, with warm water.

Enhanced Dosage (Powder): 2–3 grams of powder 3 times a day for pronounced hyperglycemia, severe inflammatory diseases of the oral cavity, protracted forms of chronic gastritis.

Maximum Dosage (Powder): 4 grams of powder 3 times a day for acute diarrhea of infectious etiology, pronounced inflammatory skin diseases; duration of administration not more than 7 days.

Preventive Dosage (Powder): 1 gram of powder once a day for chronic colitis, chronic gastritis in remission, patients with chronic bronchitis in the inter-attack period; course 20 days, repeated 3 times a year.

Pediatric Dosage (Powder): from 7 years old, with body weight from 25 kg — 0.5 grams 2 times a day after meals.

Contraindications (Powder): individual intolerance, acute nephritis, acute hepatitis; data on contraindications during pregnancy, lactation, and in children under 7 years are not scientifically registered.

Side Effects (Powder): constipation, nausea in case of overdose, darkening of tooth enamel with prolonged use.

Adjustment for Patient Body Weight: for body weight below 60 kg — reduce dose by 25%; for weight above 90 kg — increase by 20%.

Preparation method (Powder): Grind the dried bark of the plant into powder to a particle size of no more than 0.2 mm. For 100 g of finished product, 100 g of dry bark is required. Store the grind in an inert environment without access to moisture and light.

Storage Conditions and Shelf Life (Powder): store in airtight containers, at a temperature not exceeding 25 °C, in a dry, dark place, without access to direct sunlight and sources of electromagnetic radiation; shelf life — 2 years; after opening, use within 6 months.

Dry Extract — Acacia catechu

Indications (Dry Extract): chronic gastritis, gastric ulcer, duodenal ulcer, chronic colitis, diarrhea of infectious etiology, diarrhea of non-infectious etiology, gingivitis, stomatitis, pharyngitis, tonsillitis, chronic bronchitis, hyperglycemia, hyperlipidemia, inflammatory skin diseases, bleeding gums.

Standard Dosage (Dry Extract): 250–500 mg of dry extract 2 times a day after meals.

Enhanced Dosage (Dry Extract): 500–750 mg 3 times a day for pronounced hyperglycemia, chronic bronchitis, inflammatory diseases of the oral mucosa.

Maximum Dosage (Dry Extract): 1 g 3 times a day for acute diarrhea, severe forms of chronic gastritis; course not more than 5–7 days.

Preventive Dosage (Dry Extract): 250 mg once a day for chronic colitis, chronic gastritis, patients at increased risk of hyperlipidemia; course 20 days, repeated 3 times a year.

Pediatric Dosage (Dry Extract): from 7 years old, with body weight from 25 kg — 125 mg 2 times a day.

Contraindications (Dry Extract): individual intolerance, acute nephritis, acute hepatitis; data on contraindications during pregnancy, lactation, and in children under 7 years are not scientifically registered.

Side Effects (Dry Extract): constipation, nausea, change in urine color in case of overdose.

Adjustment for Patient Body Weight: for body weight below 60 kg — reduce dose by 25%; for weight above 90 kg — increase by 20%.

Preparation method (Dry Extract): Grind 500 g of dry bark, extract with 70% ethanol (for extraction only) for 8 hours at a temperature not exceeding 40 °C, filter, evaporate the solvent in a water bath at a temperature not exceeding 50 °C until the alcohol odor completely disappears, dry in a vacuum dryer to obtain a dry extract; yield — 100 g of finished product.

Storage Conditions and Shelf Life (Dry Extract): store in airtight containers, in a dry, dark place at a temperature not exceeding 25 °C, without access to sunlight and sources of electromagnetic radiation; shelf life — 3 years; after opening, use within 12 months.

Tincture — Acacia catechu

Indications (Tincture): chronic gastritis, gastric ulcer, duodenal ulcer, chronic colitis, diarrhea of infectious etiology, diarrhea of non-infectious etiology, gingivitis, stomatitis, pharyngitis, tonsillitis, chronic bronchitis, hyperglycemia, hyperlipidemia, inflammatory skin diseases, bleeding gums.

Standard Dosage (Tincture): 5–10 ml of tincture 2 times a day after meals, diluted in 50 ml of water.

Enhanced Dosage (Tincture): 15 ml 3 times a day for pronounced hyperglycemia, chronic bronchitis, protracted forms of chronic gastritis.

Maximum Dosage (Tincture): 20 ml 3 times a day for acute diarrhea of infectious etiology and severe inflammatory diseases of the mucous membranes; course not more than 5 days.

Preventive Dosage (Tincture): 5 ml once a day for chronic gastritis in remission, chronic colitis, increased risk of hyperlipidemia; course 20 days, repeated 3 times a year.

Pediatric Dosage (Tincture): from 12 years old, with body weight from 35 kg — 2 ml 2 times a day diluted with water.

Contraindications (Tincture): individual intolerance, chronic alcoholism, acute nephritis, acute hepatitis; data on contraindications during pregnancy, lactation, and in children under 12 years are not scientifically registered.

Side Effects (Tincture): nausea, dizziness, irritation of the gastric mucosa in case of overdose.

Adjustment for Patient Body Weight: for body weight below 60 kg — reduce dose by 25%; for weight above 90 kg — increase by 20%.

Preparation method (Tincture): Pour 200 g of dry bark with 1 liter of 40% ethanol (ethanol is used only for extraction), infuse for 14 days in a dark place at room temperature, shake daily, strain, evaporate in a water bath at a temperature not exceeding 50 °C until the alcohol odor completely disappears, bring the volume to 500 ml with distilled water. Permissible residual ethanol content — not more than 0.5% (in accordance with pharmacopoeial standards).

Storage Conditions and Shelf Life (Tincture): store in airtight glass containers, in a dark place at a temperature of 5–20 °C, without access to sources of electromagnetic radiation; shelf life — 1 year; after opening, use within 30 days.

Oil Infusion — Acacia catechu

Indications (Oil Infusion): inflammatory skin diseases, trophic ulcers, eczema, psoriasis, skin cracks, gingivitis, stomatitis, pharyngitis, tonsillitis, chronic bronchitis (inhalations).

Standard Dosage (Oil Infusion): externally — apply a thin layer to affected areas 2 times a day; for rinsing — 5 ml per 100 ml of warm water 2 times a day.

Enhanced Dosage (Oil Infusion): externally — apply 3–4 times a day for acute inflammatory processes of the skin and mucous membranes.

Maximum Dosage (Oil Infusion): externally — up to 6 times a day on limited skin areas for trophic ulcers, cracks, eczema; course not more than 10 days.

Preventive Dosage (Oil Infusion): once a day on the skin for tendency to dryness, cracks, dermatitis; for rinsing — 5 ml per 200 ml of water once a day; course 14 days, repeated 2–3 times a year.

Pediatric Dosage (Oil Infusion): from 3 years old — externally once a day on small skin areas; for rinsing — 1 ml per 50 ml of water.

Contraindications (Oil Infusion): individual intolerance; data on contraindications during pregnancy, lactation, and in children under 3 years are not scientifically registered.

Side Effects (Oil Infusion): local skin irritation, allergic reactions in case of overdose.

Adjustment for Patient Body Weight: for external use, no adjustment required; for rinses — for body weight below 60 kg, reduce the dose by 25%.

Preparation method (Oil Infusion): Pour 100 g of dry crushed bark into 500 ml of coconut oil, keep in a water bath at a temperature of 40–45 °C for 6 hours, filter, pour into sterile bottles. Organic solvents are not used.

Storage Conditions and Shelf Life (Oil Infusion): store in airtight dark glass containers, at a temperature of 5–20 °C, in a place protected from light; shelf life — 12 months; after opening, use within 60 days.

Liquid Extract — Acacia catechu

Indications (Liquid Extract): chronic gastritis, gastric ulcer, duodenal ulcer, chronic colitis, diarrhea of infectious etiology, diarrhea of non-infectious etiology, gingivitis, stomatitis, pharyngitis, tonsillitis, chronic bronchitis, hyperglycemia, hyperlipidemia, inflammatory skin diseases, bleeding gums.

Standard Dosage (Liquid Extract): 2–4 ml of liquid extract 2 times a day after meals, diluted in 50 ml of warm water.

Enhanced Dosage (Liquid Extract): 5 ml 3 times a day for pronounced hyperglycemia, chronic bronchitis, protracted forms of chronic gastritis.

Maximum Dosage (Liquid Extract): 7 ml 3 times a day for acute diarrhea of infectious etiology, severe inflammatory diseases of the mucous membranes; course not more than 5 days.

Preventive Dosage (Liquid Extract): 2 ml once a day for chronic gastritis in remission, chronic colitis, increased risk of hyperlipidemia; course 20 days, repeated 3 times a year.

Pediatric Dosage (Liquid Extract): from 7 years old, with body weight from 25 kg — 1 ml 2 times a day, diluted in water.

Contraindications (Liquid Extract): individual intolerance, acute nephritis, acute hepatitis; data on contraindications during pregnancy, lactation, and in children under 7 years are not scientifically registered.

Side Effects (Liquid Extract): constipation, nausea, change in urine color in case of overdose.

Adjustment for Patient Body Weight: for body weight below 60 kg — reduce dose by 25%; for weight above 90 kg — increase by 20%.

Preparation method (Liquid Extract): Grind 200 g of dry bark, extract with 50% ethanol (ethanol is used only for extraction) for 6 hours at a temperature not exceeding 40 °C, filter, evaporate the solvent in a water bath at a temperature not exceeding 50 °C until the alcohol odor completely disappears, bring the volume to 200 ml with distilled water. Permissible residual ethanol content — not more than 0.5% (in accordance with pharmacopoeial standards).

Storage Conditions and Shelf Life (Liquid Extract): store in airtight glass containers, in a dark place at a temperature of 5–20 °C, without access to sources of electromagnetic radiation; shelf life — 1 year; after opening, use within 30 days.

Toxicity and Biosafety — Acacia catechu

Animal studies have shown that Acacia catechu extracts have low acute toxicity. In experiments on rats, oral administration of aqueous extract in doses up to 2000 mg/kg body weight did not cause deaths or clinical signs of intoxication, indicating an LD₅₀ above 2000 mg/kg. Long-term use in therapeutic doses did not cause significant histopathological changes in the liver, kidneys, and heart. In studies with high doses of dry extract (more than 3000 mg/kg), short-term digestive disorders and decreased appetite were observed, without lethal outcome.

Reference: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.go...

Pharmacodynamics — Acacia catechu

The pharmacodynamic properties of Acacia catechu are determined by a complex of biologically active compounds, including condensed and hydrolysable tannins, flavonoids, and polyphenolic structures. The main action of tannins is associated with their ability to form strong complexes with proteins of epithelial tissues and mucous membranes, which provides a pronounced astringent and protective effect at the local level. This property is accompanied by a decrease in the permeability of microvasculature vessels and a reduction in transudation, which contributes to local tissue stabilization.

The flavonoid component exerts a pronounced antioxidant effect, neutralizing free radicals and reducing oxidative stress in tissues. This action is realized both systemically and locally, including the skin, mucous membranes, and epithelial structures of the gastrointestinal tract. Polyphenolic compounds can modulate the activity of key enzyme systems involved in the synthesis of inflammatory mediators, which underlies their anti-inflammatory effect.

Furthermore, Acacia catechu extracts demonstrate the ability to inhibit the growth and metabolic activity of a wide range of microorganisms, including gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria, as well as some fungal strains. This antimicrobial effect is realized through disruption of cell membrane integrity and inhibition of bacterial enzymes.

At the level of the immune system, the ability of individual fractions of flavonoids and catechins to modulate the activity of cellular and humoral immunity is noted. This is manifested by changes in cytokine production and regulation of macrophage and lymphocyte activity. At the level of endocrine interactions, some components have a moderate effect on enzyme systems involved in the regulation of carbohydrate and lipid metabolism.

For the nervous system, Acacia catechu exhibits an indirect sedative and stabilizing effect, which is associated with an influence on the central mechanisms of neurovegetative regulation. In relation to the skin and mucous membranes, the extracts act as protective film-forming agents, accelerating the restoration of epithelial tissues.

Reference: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23798763]

Pharmacokinetics — Acacia catechu

Data on the pharmacokinetics of Acacia catechu are limited; however, known information about the behavior of the main classes of compounds allows us to describe general patterns. Upon oral administration, tannins and flavonoids undergo partial absorption in the upper gastrointestinal tract, but a significant part of them reaches the large intestine unchanged. Here they interact with the intestinal microflora, undergoing enzymatic degradation to phenolic acids and other metabolites, which can be absorbed and exert a systemic effect.

The distribution of active components occurs mainly in tissues rich in proteins and collagen structures, including mucous membranes and connective tissue. Local fixation of tannins on epithelial proteins causes a prolonged local action, while flavonoids and polyphenols are able to circulate in plasma as conjugates with glucuronic and sulfuric acids.

Metabolism of flavonoids and polyphenols occurs in the liver with the participation of conjugation enzymes, mainly UDP-glucuronosyltransferases and sulfotransferases. Tannins, upon systemic absorption, also undergo partial oxidation and metabolic transformation in the liver.

Excretion of metabolites occurs primarily in urine and bile, with some components possibly being excreted through the intestines with feces in the form of unabsorbed conjugates. With external application, absorption is minimal, the main action is local. With inhalation administration (for example, in the form of aerosols), small molecules of aromatic components and low-molecular-weight polyphenols can quickly penetrate the alveolar membrane into the systemic bloodstream.

Reference: https://www.sciencedirect.com/...

Mechanisms of Action and Scientific Rationale — Acacia catechu

The biological activity of Acacia catechu is determined by the high concentration of condensed tannins (catechins) and flavonoids, which affect a wide range of molecular targets. Tannins bind to proteins of epithelial surface structures and microbial exoenzymes, which leads to the formation of a protective film on the mucous membranes and inhibition of microbial enzyme activity. This effect is accompanied by a decrease in transudation and stabilization of the barrier function of tissues. Polyphenolic components inhibit the enzyme systems cyclooxygenase (COX-1 and COX-2) and lipoxygenase (LOX), which leads to a reduction in the synthesis of pro-inflammatory mediators, including prostaglandins and leukotrienes.

Flavonoids included in the extract activate antioxidant enzymes such as superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase, and simultaneously suppress oxidative stress cascades. These compounds are able to modulate the NF-κB and MAPK signaling pathways, which reduces the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α) and endothelial adhesion molecules. Polyphenols also influence the regulation of expression of enzymes involved in lipid and carbohydrate metabolism through the PPARγ cascade, and catechins influence the JAK/STAT pathways involved in the regulation of immune responses.

Some components of Acacia catechu exhibit antimicrobial activity, disrupting the integrity of membranes of gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria, as well as inhibiting key enzymes of bacterial metabolism. There is data on the inhibition of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) by certain flavonoids, suggesting a neuromodulatory effect on synaptic transmission in the central and peripheral nervous system. At the level of cellular targets, active components interact with macrophages, neutrophils, and endothelial cells, regulating their functional activity and the level of production of inflammatory mediators.

References: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.go... https://www.sciencedirect.com/...

Synergy — Acacia catechu

Confirmed studies demonstrate the pharmacological synergy of Acacia catechu with a number of medicinal plants and natural substances. In combination with Camellia sinensis (green tea), Acacia catechu extract enhances antioxidant activity due to a cumulative increase in the concentration of catechins and proanthocyanidins, which leads to a more pronounced activation of antioxidant enzymes and a decrease in the level of reactive oxygen species. When combined with Glycyrrhiza glabra (licorice), potentiation of the anti-inflammatory effect is observed through joint inhibition of NF-κB and the synthesis of pro-inflammatory prostaglandins.

The combination of Acacia catechu with Curcuma longa (turmeric) demonstrates an additive effect in modulating the cytokine profile, including a decrease in the expression of TNF-α and IL-6, which is associated with an effect on MAPK and JAK/STAT cascades. In the presence of Azadirachta indica (neem), the antimicrobial activity is enhanced due to the combined effect on the cell membranes of microorganisms and the enzyme systems of their metabolism.

An interesting potentiating effect was noted with the combined use of Acacia catechu with ascorbic acid: catechu polyphenols are stabilized in the presence of vitamin C, which increases their antioxidant capacity and prolongs their action. It has also been shown that in combination with Zingiber officinale (ginger), the protective effect on the gastrointestinal mucosa is enhanced due to a synergistic increase in mucus secretion and suppression of local inflammatory reactions.

References: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.go... https://www.sciencedirect.com/...

Geography of Use and Folk Medicine — Acacia catechu

Acacia catechu has a wide geography of use, covering South and Southeast Asia, as well as certain regions of East Africa and the Middle East. In India, the plant is known in the tradition of Ayurveda and Unani, where its wood and bark were used to prepare decoctions and infusions used for food and medicinal purposes. In Thailand and Laos, the bark and wood are part of traditional herbal mixtures, and catechu powder is used in balms and macerates in oils for external use. In Burma and Cambodia, catechu was traditionally included in chewing mixtures with betel, giving them a characteristic color and taste, and was also considered a plant that strengthens the body and spirit.

Ethnographic data indicate that among the peoples of northern India, Nepal, and Bangladesh, a decoction of Acacia catechu bark was used for dyeing fabrics and as a component of ritual cleansing agents. In the culture of the Shan people (Myanmar) and in Thai folk medicine, the plant was used in the form of a thick extract, which was applied to the skin or used for wraps. In Tibetan medicine, there are mentions of the use of catechu in combination with other herbal ingredients in complex compositions associated with harmonizing the "heat" and "cold" of the body.

Historical written mentions date back no later than the 11th–12th centuries, found in Indian and Arab herbals, in which Acacia catechu is described as a valuable tanning raw material. In some regions of Southeast Asia, catechu was used in home purification rituals, fumigating rooms with the smoke of burning wood. In the folk beliefs of some Southeast Asian tribes, the plant was considered a talisman against evil spirits, and its pieces were worn in pouches or hung at the entrance to the dwelling.

Outside of medical purposes, Acacia catechu was used for tanning leather, dyeing fabrics, as a natural dye, and also as a color fixative. In ethno-cultural practices, the plant was associated with strength, endurance, and protection, which was reflected in rituals and symbolism.