Catechu is a plant in the Mimosaceae or Rubiaceae family. There are two types: black catechu and pale catechu. It's been traditionally used in Ayurveda.
Catechu contains chemicals that might reduce swelling and pain. They might also have antiviral and antibacterial effects.
People use catechu for muscle soreness after exercise, osteoarthritis, and other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses.
Is It Effective?
There is interest in using catechu for a number of purposes, but there isn't enough reliable information to say whether it might be helpful.
Is it Safe?
When taken by mouth: Catechu is commonly consumed in foods. But there isn't enough reliable information to know if it is safe to use in larger amounts as medicine. One specific product (Limbrel, Primus Pharmaceuticals) containing a mixture of catechu and Baikal skullcap has been linked to serious side effects. In 2017, the US FDA recalled this product. It's unclear if these effects were due to catechu, Baikal skullcap, or the combination.
When applied to the skin: There isn't enough reliable information to know if catechu is safe or what the side effects might be.
Special Precautions & Warnings:
Pregnancy and breast-feeding: Catechu is commonly consumed in foods. But there isn't enough reliable information to know if catechu is safe to use as medicine when pregnant or breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and stick to food amounts.
Surgery: Catechu might lower blood pressure. This might interfere with blood pressure control during and after surgery. Stop using catechu at least 2 weeks before a scheduled surgery.
Medications changed by the liver (Cytochrome P450 2C19 (CYP2C19) substrates)
Interaction Rating=Moderate Be cautious with this combination.
Some medications are changed and broken down by the liver. Catechu might change how quickly the liver breaks down these medications. This could change the effects and side effects of these medications.
Medications for high blood pressure (Antihypertensive drugs)
Interaction Rating=Moderate Be cautious with this combination.
Catechu might lower blood pressure. Taking catechu along with medications that lower blood pressure might cause blood pressure to go too low. Monitor your blood pressure closely.
Medications that decrease the immune system (Immunosuppressants)
Interaction Rating=Moderate Be cautious with this combination.
Catechu can increase or decrease the activity of the immune system. Some medications, such as those used after a transplant, also decrease the activity of the immune system. Taking catechu along with these medications might interfere with their effects.
Theophylline
Interaction Rating=Moderate Be cautious with this combination.
Catechu might decrease how quickly the liver breaks down theophylline. Taking catechu with theophylline might increase the side effects from theophylline.
Herbs and supplements that might lower blood pressure: Catechu might lower blood pressure. Taking it with other supplements that have the same effect might cause blood pressure to drop too much. Examples of supplements with this effect include andrographis, casein peptides, L-arginine, niacin, and stinging nettle.
There are no known interactions with foods.
There isn't enough reliable information to know what an appropriate dose of catechu might be. Keep in mind that natural products are not always necessarily safe and dosages can be important. Be sure to follow relevant directions on product labels and consult a healthcare professional before using.
Black Catechu: Acacia à Cachou, Acacia catechu, Acacia Catechu Heartwood Extract, Black Cutch, Cachou, Cachou de Pegu, Cachou Noir, Cachou, Cashou, Cashoo, Cashou, Catechu nigrum, Catecu, Cutch, Cutchtree, Dark Catechu, Er Cha, Khadira, Khair, Khadira, Kher, Khoyer, Mimosa catechu, Pegu Catechu.
Pale Catechu: Cachou Pâle, Cube Gambir, Extrait de Brindille/Feuille d'Uncaria Gambier, Gambier, Gambir, Gambir Catechu, Japan Earth, Nauclea gambir, Ourouparia gambir, Terra Japonica, Uncaria gambier, Uncaria Gambier Leaf/Twig Extract, White Cutch.
Information on this website is for informational use only and is not intended to replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. While evidence-based, it is not guaranteed to be error-free and is not intended to meet any particular user’s needs or requirements or to cover all possible uses, safety concerns, interactions, outcomes, or adverse effects. Always check with your doctor or other medical professional before making healthcare decisions (including taking any medication) and do not delay or disregard seeking medical advice or treatment based on any information displayed on this website.
© TRC Healthcare 2024. All rights reserved. Use and/or distribution is permitted only pursuant to a valid license or other permission from TRC Healthcare.