“ACACIA CATECHU WILLD –A GIFT FROM AYURVEDA TO MANKIND” –A

Lakshmi.T e 275 et. al. phloroglucin, protocatechuic acid, quercetin, poriferasterol glucosides, poriferasterol acyglucosides, lupenone, lupeol, procy...

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THE PHARMA RESEARCH, A JOURNAL The Pharma Research (T. Ph. Res.), (2011), 5(2); 273-293.

Copyright © 2011 by Sudarshan Publication

Published on- 15 Sep 2011

ISSN 0975-8216

Original Article

“ACACIA CATECHU WILLD –A GIFT FROM AYURVEDA TO MANKIND” –A REVIEW Lakshmi.T1* , Anitha Roy1 , Geetha R.V 2 Affiliated to: 1 2

Faculty of Pharmacology ,Saveetha Dental College ,Chennai. Faculty of Microbiology , Saveetha Dental College ,Chennai.

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ABSTRACT

The medicinal plants are widely used by the traditional medical practitioners for curing various diseases in their day to day practice. Acacia catechu willd (AC).(Family: Fabaceae and subfamily: Mimosoideae) known as Black cutch has a diverse pharmacological actions and has been widely used in Ayurveda for processing of various formulations in Rasashastra.The main chemical constituents of Acacia Catechu are catechin, epecatechin, epigallocatechin, epicatechin gallate, phloroglucin, protocatechuic acid, quarcetin, poriferasterol glucosides, lupenone, procyanidin, kaemferol,L-arabinose, D-galactose.D-rhamnose andaldobiuronic acid, afzelchin gum, mineral and taxifolin. Heartwood is used to yield concentrated aqueous extract i.e. Cutch and Katha. The cutch and Katha (extract) possess astringent, cooling and digestive properties; and is commonly used in ayurvedic preparations. It is useful in cold and cough, ulcers, boils and eruptions of the skin, bleeding piles, uterine haemorrhages, atonic dyspepsia, chronic bronchitis etc. Based upon the scientific literatures, the aim of this article is to compile and explore the potency of Acacia catechu willd in management of various diseases.

Page

273

Keywords: Acacia catechu willd, Ayurveda, catechin, tannins, flavonoids, taxifolin

Lakshmi.T et. al.

INTRODUCTION Ayurvedic medicine also known as Ayurveda,

known as Katha which is an indispensable

originated in India several thousand years

ingredient of Pan that is betal leaf

ago. The term "Ayurveda" combines the

preparation chewed in India. It is useful in

Sanskrit words ayur (life) and Veda (science

dental, oral, throat infections and as an

or knowledge) thus; Ayurveda means "the

astringent for reducing oozing from chronic

[1]

science of life.

The botanical name of

ulcers

and wounds.

The

concentrated

khadira is Acacia catechu. The Sanskrit word

aqueous extract known as Khair gum or

Khadira literally means that which alleviates

cutch is an astringent, cooling and digestive,

the diseases and stabilizes the body. Khadira

beneficial in cough and diarrhea. Applied

has various synonyms in ancient scriptures

externally to ulcer, boils and skin eruptions

of Ayurveda, like balapatra tini leaved;

and is used extensively in Ayurvedic

vakrakanta

formulations [4]. It is used in the treatment of

has

hooked

spines,

dantadhavana useful for cleansing the teeth,

passive

diarrhea

either

alone

or

kanthi beneficial for the throat, kusthaghna

combination with cinnamon or opium. [5]

in

anti dermatosis, etc. The great sage Charaka has categorized it as udarka prasamana anti

The bark of Acacia catechu in combination

urticarial and kusthaghna anti dermatosis.

with other drugs is prescribed for snake bite

Acharya Vagbhata has highly praised it as the

[5].

drug of choice for the treatment of

possess hypoglycemic activity in rats

numerous

Acacia catechu also shows hypotensive

skin

diseases.

Susruta

has

The seeds of the plant are reported to

[7]

described the plant to be effective as an anti

effect.

obesity herb.Acacia catechu Willd. (Family:

milk is taken to cure cold and cough [8-12]

[6].

The decoction of bark mixed with

Fabaceae and subfamily: Mimosoideae.) is widely used in Ayurveda for many diseases

The extracts of Acacia catechu

and mainly for skin diseases.[2] Most of the

various

people in Kerala use boiled Khadira water

antipyretic,

(karingali water) for drinking purpose. There

diarrhoeal, hypoglycemic, hepatoprotective,

are a number of ayurvedic taila (oil)

antioxidant and antimicrobial activities . [8, 10-

formulations which contain Khadira as one

14]

of the active ingredients [3]. Acacia catechu is

catechu

highly valuable for its powerful astringent

epicatechin,epigallocatechin,

and antioxidant activities. It is commonly

gallate, epigallocatechin gallete rocatechin,

pharmacological

exhibits

effects

anti-inflammatory,

like anti-

Main chemical constituents of Acacia catechin,

(-)

epicatechin

274

are

Page

Willd

Lakshmi.T et. al.

phloroglucin, protocatechuic acid, quercetin,

Table 1: Scientific classification of Acacia

poriferasterol

catechu willd.

glucosides,

poriferasterol

acyglucosides, lupenone, lupeol, procyanidin AC, kaempferol, dihydrokaemferol, taxifolin,

Kingdom

Plantae – Plants

chief phytoconstituent of the heartwood are

Sub kingdom Spermatophyta

Tracheobionta – Vascular plants Seed plants

catechin and epicatechin. Catechins have

Division

Magnoliophyta - Flowering plants

Class

Magnoliopsida Dicotyledons Rosidae Fabales Fabaceae - Pea family Acacia Mill. – Acacia Acacia catechu (L. f.) Willd. – black cutch

(+)-afzelchin gum and mineral .[10,15-20 ]The

siginificant antioxidant and antimicrobial effects.

[21]

It is considered to be the best

antioxidant. The antioxidant activities are evaluated in terms of ascorbate equivalents by different methods. The extract restores

Subclass Order Family Genus

antioxidant enzyme superoxide (SOD) from the radiation inducing damage.

Species

Acacia catechu is useful as a topical agent for sore gums and mouth ulcers. This agent has been commonly used in India as an ointment for indolent ulcers and has been used in rural Bangladesh as a component of an anti-fertility pill. Other uses include arresting nose bleeds, assisting healing in nipple fissures, and acting as a contraceptive. Chronic gonorrhea can be

Fig 1: Acacia catechu willd, Medicinal plant

treated with an infusion of catechu. [22]

Hence, the aim of the present article is to review the pharmacological activity of the herbal plant and compile the literature based upon its efficacy in management of

Page

Fig 2: Acacia catechu Heartwood.

275

various diseases.

Lakshmi.T et. al.

Plant Description [23]

Ecology and distribution [24]

It is a medium sized, thorny deciduous tree

History of cultivation

grows up to 13 meters in height. Leaves are

The use of A. catechu as tanning agent

bipinnately compound, leaflets 30-50 paired,

(cutch) in India is believed to go back as far

main

as history relates. In 17

rachis

pubescent,

with

large

th

century, a

conspicuous gland near the middle of the

European writer first described A. catechu

rachis. Flowers are pale yellow, sessile,

as ‘cacho’ and mentioned it as being

found in axillary spikes. Fruits show flat

exported from Cambay to Malacca. By the

brown pods, with triangular beak at the

early 19th century, due to commercial

apex, shiny, narrowed at base. There are 3-

importance, catechu was much used in

10 seeds per pod. The gummy extract of the

France. The first A. catechu to reach

wood is called katha or cutch.

European countries had been re-exported from Japan and was called ‘terra japonica’,

Synonyms

being thought at that time to be a natural

Sanskrit : Gayatri

earth or of mineral origin.

Assamese : Kharira, Khara, Khayar Bengali : Khera, Khayera

Natural Habitat

English : Black catechu, Cutch tree

A. catechu occurs naturally in mixed

Gujrati : Khair, Kathe, Kher

deciduous forests and Savannas of lower

Hindi : Khair

mountains and hills. It is especially common

Kannada : Kaggali, Kaggalinara, Kachinamara,

in the drier regions on sandy soils of

Koggigida

riverbanks and watersheds.

Kashmiri : Kath

Oriya : Khaira Punjabi : Khair

Native:

India,

Myanmar,

Nepal,

Pakistan,Thailand Exotic: Indonesia, Kenya, Mozambique.

Tamil : Karungali, Karungkali

Part used: Bark, Leaves, Heartwood

Telugu : Chandra, Kaviri

Ayurvedic Properties of Heartwood and

Urdu : Chanbe Kaath

Action [26] Rasa (taste): Tikta, Kasaya Guna (property): Laghu, Ruksa Virya (potency) : sita

276

Marathi : Khaira, Khair

Geographic Distribution[25]

Page

Malayalam : Karingali

Lakshmi.T et. al.

Vipaka (post digestive effect): Katu

Acacia catechu is used in skin disorders,

Karma:

itching problems, diseases of teeth, diseases

Kaphapittahara,

Raktasodhaka,

Kushtaghna, Medohara, Krmighna, Dantya.

of mouth and throat, cough, obesity, worms, diabetes, fever, vitiligo, swelling, wound,

Important Formulations: Khadirarista, Arimedadi

bleeding disorders, anemia, eruptive boils, Taila, Khadiradi

filaria and is used as rasayana (longevity

Gutika.

enhancer).

Therapeutic Uses: Kustha, Vrana, sotha, Prameha

In Chinese medicine it is used for poorly healing ulcers, weeping skin diseases, oral

Use of

Acacia catechu in

Ayurvedic

ulcers, with bleeding and traumatic injuries.

literature [26] Table 2: Phytochemical Action of Acacia catechu willd. Therapeutic application

Tannins

Acts topically as astringent to mucosal surfaces and following oral ingestion it consequently get hydrolyzed and alter the fluidity of the bowel contents (so used in anti-diarrheal remedies) .They are also attributed with anti-hemorrhagic, anti-inflammatory and antacid properties.

Catechin

Have significant antioxidant and antimicrobial effects. It is considered to be the best antioxidant.[ 27]

Flavonoids

Increase secretion of insulin and inhibit cycloxygenase and lipoxygenase .Thus it possesses anti diabetic and anti-inflammatory effect. [28]

Taxifolin

Potent Antibacterial agent.

Functional uses of Acacia catechu: [29]

betel leaf (Piper betle) with areca nut and

Food: Seeds contain water-soluble mucilage

slaked lime paste.

It is also

used as an ingredient in paan. It is an Indian and South East Asian tradition of chewing

Fodder: Branches of the tree are quite often cut for goat fodder and are fed to cattle.

277

(6.8%); a good protein source

. [30]

Page

Active constituent

Lakshmi.T et. al.

Fuel: The tree is often planted for use as

analysis

firewood and its wood is highly valued for

formulations containing Acacia catechu.

furniture and tools

.

of

catechin

in

Ayurvedic

oil

Chromatography of methanolic-0.1% formic

Timber: Timber is used for agricultural

acid (7:3, v/v) extracts of these formulations

implements and wheels. Spent chips left

was performed on silica gel 60 F254

over after extraction of Katha and cutch can

aluminium-backed TLC plates of 0.2 mm

be used for the manufacture of hardboards.

layer thickness. The plate was developed up

Tannin or dyestuff: Cutch, which is marketed

to 85 mm with the ternary-mobile phase

as a solid extract, is isolated from the

chloroform-acetone-0.1% formic acid (7.7 +

heartwood. The dark catechu or Pegu cutch

1.5 + 0.8%, v/v/v) at 22 +/- 2 degrees C with

is used to tan heavy hides into sole leather,

20 min of chamber saturation. The system

often in a mixture of tan stuffs. Catechu

produced compact spots of catechin at an Rf

extract is also used for dyeing silk, cotton,

value of 0.36. The marker, catechin, was

canvas, paper and leather to a dark-

quantified at its maximum absorbance of

brownish colour. [ 31]

296 nm. The limit of detection and

Gum or resin: The bark exudes a light gum of

quantitation values was 6 and 20 ng/spot,

very good quality and is one of the best

respectively. The linear regression analysis

substitutes for gum arabic.

data for the calibration plot showed a good

Medicinal value: Khersal, a crystalline form

linear

of cutch sometimes found deposited in

coefficient of 0.9993 in the concentration

cavities of the wood is used medicinally for

range of 200-1200 ng/spot for catechin with

the treatment of coughs and sore throat.

respect to peak area. Repeatability of the

The bark is said to be effective against

method was 0.88% RSD. Recovery values

dysentery, diarrhoea and in healing of

from 97 to 102% indicate excellent accuracy

wounds. The seeds have been reported to

of the method..[33]

relationship

with

a

correlation

have an antibacterial action. [32] Anti-bacterial activity: Pharmacological activity:

Acacia catechu heartwood extract is found

study conducted in ethanolic and aqueous

formulations containing Acacia catechu:

heartwood extract of Acacia catechu, proved

A sensitive, simple, rapid and efficient HPTLC

its efficacy as a potent anti-bacterial agent.

method was developed and validated for the

Taxifolin present in heartwood of Acacia

Page

Estimation of catechin in Ayurvedic oil

278

to be an effective antibacterial agent. A

Lakshmi.T et. al.

catechu is found to be responsible for its

flavouring agents. A clinical study on this

[34]

herbal dentifrice , reported 87-95%, 70-72%

Anti-bacterial effect.

and 80-95% reductions in plaque, gingivitis Similar study was conducted to evaluate the

and dental calculus respectively, in about 15

potency of Acacia catechu heartwood

days of treatment [37].

extract

against

dental

caries

causing

microbes and organism associated with

Katha, a resin part of Acacia catechu Willd, is

endodontic infections like streptococcus

used

mutans,

salivarius,

Antimicrobial screening and phytochemical

Lactobacillus acidophilus and Enterococcus

analysis were performed to prove the

faecalis using disc diffusion method.[35]

antibacterial property and presence of active

Streptococcus mutans and Lactobacillus

phytochemicals

acidophilus are potent initiator for dental

catechu. A phytochemical analysis was done

caries

of

using a HPTLC instrument. Antimicrobial

mineralised tissues in the teeth . Hence our

testing demonstrated excellent results with

study shows that Acacia catechu heartwood

the

extract is higly active on oral pathogens and

Pseudomonas

can be applied in Dental practice in the field

followed by the aqueous extract against

of periodontal diseases like dental caries,

Bacillus

gingivitis, mouth sores and in Endodontal

chloroform extract against Staphylococcus

treatment as Enterococcus faecalis is found

aureus

to be the root cause of failure in root canal

phytochemical

treatment [36].

and quercetin, were identified by HPTLC as

streptococcus

that

results

in

destruction

as

a

chewing

in

petroleum

extracts

ether

(20

of

extract

aeruginosa

subtilis

(30

ingredient.

(10

μg/mL)

μg/mL).

Acacia

against μg/mL),

and

Two

constitutents,

The

the

major

epicatechin

active ingredients in the extract.[38] In a Study Pawar et -al explained a dentifrice / herbal tooth powder which was comprised

Gulzar et al also has conducted a similar

of Acacia catechu, Menthol and camphor in

study on Preliminary phytochemical and

the

6.3%

antimicrobial activity of the crude extract

respectively. The powder of Acacia catechu

obtained from the leaves of Acacia catechu

was used to remove tarter, plaque, stain and

(AC.).The

in cleansing and polishing tooth surface

steroids,

without producing any abrasion whereas

saponins, flavones and phenolic compounds

menthol and camphor were used as

was indicated by the tests conducted.

2.7%

and

presence alkaloids,

of

carbohydrates,

glycosides,

tannins,

279

91%,

Page

proportion

Lakshmi.T et. al.

Antimicrobial activity of petroleum ether,

whereas F. oxysporum, A. alternata, R.

ethanolic and ethanol: water (1:1) extracts

stolonifer

of leaves of Acacia catechu was evaluated

extracts of A. catechu extract. These extracts

against some pathogenic fungi and gram

can be utilized for the management of this

positive and negative bacteria. Ethanolic

plant. It is recommended to isolate, identify

extract was found to possess the broadest

and integrate the bioactive principle in these

and potent antimicrobial activity.[39]

pathogens management.[41]

Anti mycotic activity:

The antifungal activity of the aqueous and

A study was conducted to evaluate the anti

methanol extract of twenty Indian medicinal

mycotic activity of heartwood of Acacia

plants against fourteen human pathogenic

catechu willd on selected fungal species like

fungi. Antifungal assay was done using agar

Candida

niger,

disc diffusion method. The result showed

and

that the aqueous extract of Andrographis

diffusion

paniculata was only found active while the

technique was followed for screening anti-

methanol extract of seven plants i.e. Acacia

fungal activity. The results obtained from our

catechu, Hemidesmus indicus, Andrographis

study shows that ethanolic extract has got a

paniculata, Pongammia pinnata, Carica

very good anti mycotic activity against the

papaya, Cannabis sativa and the Oroxylum

selected fungal species.[40]

indicum

albicans,

Aspergillus

Aspergillus

fumigates,

Mucor

Penicilium

marneffei.

Disc

spp

and M. phaseolina by acetone

exhibited

significant

antifungal

activity against one or more test organism. An attempt was made to assess the

The methanol extract of Acacia catechu was

antimycotic activity of Acacia catechu Willd.

established most promising, and found

extracts using three different solvents such

active against Candida, Dermatophytes and

as ethanol, acetone and hexane. Agar well

Aspergillus species therefore stressing the

diffusion

technique

was

need to locate the active principle.[42]

screening

against

chosen

Aspergillus

niger,

Fusarium

like

oxysporum,

Anti-oxidant activity:

Alternaria alternata, Rhizopus stolonifer and

Gayathri

devi

et

al

conducted

a

Macrophoma phaseolina. The maximum

.pharmacognostical study on Acacia catechu

inhibition was recorded in ethanol, acetone

willd and the antioxidant principles were

and hexane roots extracts.A. niger growth

analysed by Dot‐blot assay and quantitative

was controlled by acetone extract of bark,

analysis by DPPH (1, 1, ‐ diphenyl‐2‐picryl

280

fungi

for

Page

followed

Lakshmi.T et. al.

hydrazyl) radical scavenging assay with

radical and 17.8 ± 0.63 μg/ml, 39.55 ± 1.36

ascorbic acid as standard. The results of

μg/ml, 55.31 ± 7.12 μg/ml, 746.85 ± 30.46

dot‐blot assay showed yellow coloured spots

μg/ml, 44.2 ± 4.48 mg/ml, 57.5 ± 4.23 μg/ml,

when sprayed with DPPH solution the plant

155.48 ± 3.78 μg/ml were determined as

extract proves to be antioxidant. When the

IC50 value for DPPH, superoxide, nitric oxide,

plates were sprayed with DPPH solution in

peroxynitrite, hydrogen peroxide, singlet

methanol (0.4mM), the regions where

oxygen and hypochlorous acid radicals,

substances

capacity

respectively. The plant was found to inhibit

occurred stained yellow in the purple back

lipid peroxidation with an IC50 of 12.35 ±

ground.The TLC of the alcoholic plant extract

0.43 μg/ml. The extract also has the ability to

conducted

(chloroform‐ethyl

chelate iron with an IC50 of 810.8 ± 20.74

acetate ‐formic acid, 5:4:1) as mobile phase

μg/ml as well as DNA protective property

and DPPH as spray reagent, gave six major

with *P+50 of 60.44 ± 5.73 μg/ml. It was also

spots with yellow colour indicating that

observed that the plant extract (100 mg) has

there are at least six antioxidant constituents

97.13 ± 0.006 mg/ml gallic acid equivalent

in the extract. The more intense the yellow

phenolic

colour, the greater the antioxidant activity

quercetin equivalent flavonoid content. In a

.Radical scavenging activity was estimated by

word, the results provide evidence that 70%

DPPH assay and the results were compared

methanol extract of ‘katha' acts as an

with that of ascorbic acid. Ascorbic acid at

antioxidant, iron chelator and DNA protector

66.12μM could scavenge half of DPPH (IC50)

which is partly due to the phenolic and

when reacted for 30 minutes. IC50 value of

flavonoid compounds present in it.[44]

with

using

antioxidant

CEF

and

383.66

±

0.014

mg/ml

the plant extract was found to be 61.72μM which is comparable with the values

Four aqueous extracts from different parts

obtained for ascorbic acid.[43]

of medicinal plants used in Ayurveda (an

charantia Linn (AP1), Glycyrrhiza glabra

the antioxidant and iron chelating property

(AP2), Acacia catechu (AP3), and Terminalia

of 70% methanolic extract of 'katha'

chebula (AP4) were examined by Naik G.H et

(heartwood extract of Acacia catechu). The

al for their potential as antioxidants. The

extract was found to be an antioxidant with

antioxidant activity of these extracts was

a TEAC value of 0.72 ± 0.02. The extract has

tested by studying the inhibition of radiation

shown its scavenging activity for different

induced lipid peroxidation in rat liver

Page

Similar study was carried out to determine

281

ancient Indian Medicine) viz., Momardica

Lakshmi.T et. al.

microsomes at different doses in the range

extract showed an increase in the neutrophil

of 100-600 Gy as estimated by thiobarbituric

adhesion to the nylon fibres, produced a

[45]

acid reactive substances (TBARS).

The

significant increase in the phagocytic index

extracts were found to restore antioxidant

and

enzyme superoxide dismutase (SOD) from

cyclophosphamide

the

The

indicating its effect on cell mediated

antioxidant capacities were also evaluated in

immunity. On the other hand, Acacia

terms of ascorbate equivalents by different

catechu extract produced a significant

methods such as cyclic voltametry, decay of

increase in the serum immunoglobulin

ABTS(.-) radical by pulse radiolysis and

levels, increase in the haemagglutination

decrease in the absorbance of DPPH

titre values and decreased the mortality

radicals.[15]

ratio in mice, suggesting its effect on the

radiation

induced

damage.

a

significant

protection induced

against

neutropenia

humoral arm of the immune system. Hence, Patil.S conducted a free radical scavenging

it can be concluded that the aqueous extract

study on Aqueous extracts of Acacia catechu

of Acacia catechu has a significant effect on

and Rotula Aquatica .His study revealed that

both cell mediated and humoral immunity.[47]

the polyphenols present in the polar extracts possess a stronger antioxidant activity which

Anti-pyretic activity [48]

may be useful in treatment of cancer and in

To prove the effect of Acacia catechu in

cancer

yeast induced pyretic rats Ray et al

patients

undergoing

radiation

therapy.[46]

conducted a study in Albino rats (150-200 g) fever

by

injecting,

Immuno modulatory activity:

subcutaneously, 20% suspension of dried

Syed Ismail and Mohammed Asad has

yeast in 2% gum acacia in normal saline at a

studied the Immuno modulatory activity of

dose of 20 ml/kg of body weight. Animals in

aqueous extract of Acacia catechu after oral

the various groups were treated as Group A:

administration of two doses of 5 mg/kg and

3% aqueous suspension of gum acacia (1

50 mg/kg. The effect was studied in

ml/200 g) as vehicle, orally. Group B:

neutrophil adhesion test, mice lethality test,

Aqueous suspension of ethyl acetate extract

carbon clearance assay, cyclophosphamide

of Acacia catechu 250 mg/kg (1 ml/200 g)

induced

serum

with 3% gum acacia as 5% suspension, orally.

the

Group C: Aqueous suspension of ethyl

catechu

acetate extract of Acacia catechu 500 mg/kg

neutropenia,

immunoglobulin

levels

heamagglutination

test.

and Acacia

282

inducing

Page

after

Lakshmi.T et. al.

(1 ml/200 g) with 3% gum acacia as 10%

protective ability of the test drug and the

suspension, orally. Group D: Aqueous acetyl

standard drug silymarin, when compared.

salicylic acid, 300 mg/kg (1 ml/200 g) with 3% gum acacia as 6%suspension, orally.

Shirish S. Pingale also investigated the

Rectal temperature was recorded every hour

hepatoprotective action of Acacia catechu

for four hours after administration of drugs.

heartwood extract on CCl4 (Carbon tetra

The ethyl acetate extract of Acacia catechu

Chloride) induced liver damage in rats.

and aspirin significantly decreased the

Blood and tissue biochemical assays have

temperature of pyretic rats at 2nd, 3rd and

been

4th hour after drug or extract treatment.

hepatoprotection. From the results of

studied

for

evaluation

of

the parameters done it is clear that Acacia Hepato protective activity:[48]

catechu

Cyanidanol, an active principle of Acacia

hepatoprotection.[51]

gave

best

recovery

for

catechu, is claimed to be effective in treating liver diseases.[49] . Jayasekhar etal studied the

Anti-Diarrhoeal activity [48]

hepatoprotective activity of ethyl acetate

Fifty albino rats were screened initially by

extract of Acacia catechu in albino rats u[50]

administering 1 ml of castor oil orally and

Blood

aspartate

those which developed diarrhoea were

alanine

selected (consistency, i.e. loose stool, was

aminotransferase (ALT) were assayed using a

the criterion for selection). The experimental

method reported by Reitman and Frankel.

set-up

Significant increase in the levels of AST and

(Control):received 3% aqueous gum acacia

ALT were found in the toxicant group (P

suspension 1 ml/200 g, p.o., at '0' hour and

<0.001) after 24 h of administration of CCl 4

castor oil 1 ml/150 g, p.o., one hour later.

orally. Pretreatment with Acacia catechu

Group B (Test): received ethyl acetate

(250 mg/kg) and silymarin (25 mg/kg) in test

extract of Acacia catechu 250 mg/kg as 5%

group and standard group, respectively, daily

suspension in 3% gum acacia in DW (1

for seven days showed highly significant ( P

ml/200 g, p.o.) at '0' hour and castor oil 1

<0.001) protective effect against CCl 4

ml/150 g, p.o., one hour later. Group C

induced hepatotoxicity when compared to

(Standard): received diphenoxylate 10 mg/kg

toxicant

no

(0.2%) with atropine sulphate (0.002%)

significant difference (P <0.5) between the

suspension in 3% gum acacia in distilled

alone

assayed

(AST)

group.

and

There

was

was

as

follows.Group

A

283

aminotransferase

was

Page

serum

Lakshmi.T et. al.

water at a dose of 1ml/ 200 g, p.o. and

aeruginosa[GNB]

and

Staphylococcus

castor oil 1ml/150 g, p.o, one hour later.

aureus,[Gram positive cocci], using agar well diffusion technique. The results of this study

The extract of Acacia catechu (250 mg/kg)

showed that both the extracts at different

markedly reduced the percentage of animals

concentrations

that had diarrhoea (50%). The latent period

activity

(5.25±0.31) was prolonged and average

tested.[53] Hence , Acacia catechu heartwood

number of stool passed was significantly

extract is also proven to be an effective

reduced (0.7±0.26), leading to very low

medicinal plant to treat diarrhoea caused by

purging index (16.28) compared to the

enteric pathogens.

against

exhibited the

anti-bacterial

bacterial

species

control group. Both the standard and test drugs brought a highly significant ( P <0.001)

Anti-diabetic activity :

change in the latent period of onset of

In India, a number of plants are mentioned

passing stool as well as in total number of

in ancient literature (Ayurveda) for the cure

stools passed.

of diabetic conditions.Acacia catechu Willd (Cutch tree) is commonly used by many

Enteric bacteria comprised of Salmonella sp.,

traditional healers in most of the herbal

Shigella sp., Proteus sp., Klebsiella sp., E. coli,

preparations for diabetes.[54]

Pseudomonas sp., Vibrio cholerae, and S.

Only the aqueous extract of barks of this

aureus, which are major etiologic agents of

plant

sporadic and epidemic diarrhoea both in

preparations. Moreover, researchers focus

children and in adults.[52]

mainly on ethanolic and aqueous extracts for

is

used

in

traditional

diabetes, but considerable

herbal

number

of

A study was conducted to evaluate the anti-

studies stated that the petroleum ether,

bacterial activity of heartwood extract of

benzene and chloroform extracts were also

Acacia catechu willd on selected enteric

active against diabetes.[55-57]

Various extracts including petroleum ether,

Aacacia catechu

was screened against

chloroform, acetone, ethanol, aqueous and

Salmonella typhi, [Gram negative bacilli-

crude aqueous of barks of Acacia catechu (A.

GNB],

catechu) Willd (Leguminosae) and the two

Shigella flexneri[GNB], E.coli[GNB],

Klebsiella

pneumoniae[GNB],

cholerae[GNB],

Vibrio

Pseudomonas

fractions of ethanolic extract were tested for anti-hyperglycaemic

activity

in

glucose-

Page

and aqueous extract of heart wood of

284

pathogens. Antibacterial activity of ethanolic

Lakshmi.T et. al.

loaded hyperglycaemic rats. The effective

sugar estimated by glucose oxidase method.

extract and fraction of A. catechu were

Twenty-four diabetic rats with blood glucose

subjected to anti-diabetic study in alloxan-

level of 300-500 mg% were selected and

induced diabetic rats at two dose levels, 200

were divided into four groups of six each.

and 400 mg/kg, respectively. Biochemical

The selected groups were treated with the

parameters,

urea,

vehicle (5% gum acacia, 1 ml/200 g), test

serum

drug (250 mg/kg, p.o.), test drug (500 mg/kg,

triglyceride, high density lipoprotein (HDL),

p.o.) and glibenclamide (0.5 mg/kg, p.o.),

low density lipoprotein (LDL), haemoglobin

respectively, for seven days.On the eighth

and glycosylated haemoglobin were also

day blood samples were collected after 18 h

assessed. The ethanolic extract of

of fasting and blood glucose was estimated

A. catechu and the water insoluble fraction

again.[46]

of ethanolic extract exhibited significant

The test drug, at a dose of 500 mg/kg, p.o.

anti-hyperglycaemic activity and produced

significantly lowered the blood glucose level

dose- dependent hypoglycemia in fasted

( P <0.01) as compared to the control group,

normal rats. Treatment of diabetic rats with

at 2 h. However, the activity of the standard

ethanolic

water-insoluble

drug, glibenclamide (0.5 mg/kg/day), was

fraction of this plant restored the elevated

more pronounced ( P <0.001). In alloxan

biochemical

significantly

induced diabetic albino rats, Acacia catechu

(p<0.05) to the normal level. Comparatively,

at a dose of 250 and 500 mg/kg/day and

the water insoluble fraction of ethanolic

standard drug glibenclamide (0.5 mg/kg/day)

extract was

than the

for seven days was highly significant ( P

ethanolic extract and the activity was

<0.001) in comparison with the control

comparable to that of the standard,

group. However, in diabetic rats the

glibenclamide (5 mg/kg). [58]

hypoglycaemic effect of the test drug at 250

In another study Albino rats (n = 44) were

mg/kg was significantly less than the

fasted for 48 h. Diabetes was induced by

standard drug glibenclamide.

administering

freshly

Hence, Acacia catechu is proved to possess a

monohydrate

2.4%

including

creatinine,

serum

extract

glucose,

cholesterol,

and

parameters

more

effective

prepared in

normal

alloxan saline

significant Anti hyperglycemic activity.

Antisecretory and Antiulcer activity:

alloxan, 18 h fasting blood was collected

Karwani.G

from those that survived (n=34) and blood

Antisecretory and Antiulcer activity of Acacia

conducted

a

study

on

Page

body weight as single dose.After 72 h of

285

subcutaneously at a dose of 120 mg/kg,

Lakshmi.T et. al.

catechu against indomethacin plus pyloric

catechu causes an inhibitory effect on

ligation induced gastic ulcers in rats. The

release

results of their study suggest that Acacia

gastric

hydrochloric

protects gastric mucosal damage

acids

and

.[59]

Table 3 :Pharmacological activity of various parts of Acacia catechu willd. Scientific Name

Common Name

Family

Parts used

Pharmacological activity.

Acacia catechu

katha Khadira Karungali Black cutch.

Mimosaceae (Touch-menot family)

Bark

Dysentery, diarrhoea and in healing of wounds,Antioxidant,healing of sore throat, gingivitis, Antidiabetic activity.

Leaf

Hepatoprotective, Antisecretory and Anti-ulcer, Antioxidant and Antibacterial ,Anti-mycotic activity. Anti-bacterial, Anti mycotic, To treat mouthsore, gingivitis, dental caries It possess anti-oxidant and anti diarrhoeal activity. Ethyl acetate extract of Acacia catechu possess analgesic, antipyretic Hepatoprotective and Antidiabetic activity. Heartwood is used as an dyeing agent in textile industry.

Heartwood

Contraindications and Precautions [60]

ailments as these natural products exert

The use of Acacia catechu is contraindicated

broad-spectrum actions. Katha is an extract

in pregnant or breast-feeding patients.

obtained from the Acacia catechu willd, it is

Products of the catechu family are also

generally used on different forms of the

contraindicated

mouth ulcers treatment. It also possesses

in

patients

undergoing

immunosuppressive therapy.

astringent properties and has a special place

treatment. The phytochemical constituent,

Indian medicinal herbs are used since

taxifolin present in it is responsible for the

ancient times to treat different diseases and

Page

Discussion:

286

in the field of Ayurvedic medicine in the oral

Lakshmi.T et. al.

antibacterial activity whereas catechin is

Conclusion :

responsible for the antioxidant activity.

The growth of the pharmaceutical industry

Tannins

are

responsible

anti

and the unceasing development of new and

anti-inflammatory,

more effective synthetic and biological

antidiarrhoeal activity. Flavonoids present in

medicinal products has not diminished the

Acacia catechu are responsible for the anti-

importance of medicinal plants in many

inflammatory

and anti-diabetic activity.

societies.It is hoped that assessment of the

According to Ayurvedic literature, Khadira is

traditional remedies could become the basis

bitter and astringent in taste, pungent in the

for

post digestive effect and has cold potency. It

medicines, as well as for evaluative studies

alleviates kapha and pitta dosas. It has a

on their efficacy and safety, and their

special potency to alleviate the skin diseases.

potential use in national health care systems

It possesses light and dry attributes It is used

in different parts of the world.

in the diseases like fever, edema, pruritis,

Hence, the review focus on the various

diabetes, obesity, blood disorders, cough,

pharmacological activities and ayurvedic

asthma and anemia etc. For control of

literature about Acacia catechu which will

obesity, daily 3 gm cutch in 100 ml water is

surely help the researchers to further

given as a drink. Within 3-6 months it wards

continue

off excessive body fats. It also works well as

identification and isolation of the active

an adjunct in diabetes. Khadira is one of the

compounds responsible for treatment of

most potent drugs, used in various skin

various infectious diseases .Acacia catechu is

diseases.

thus considered as a potent medicinal plant

haemarragic,

Khadirarista

is

for

a

famous

preparation used for that purpose. The plant

a

future

their

classification

studies

of

based

herbal

on

the

a gift from Ayurveda to mankind.

is extremely beneficial in vaginal diseases, leucorrhea, menorrhagia etc. for which its

Acknowledgement :

decoction is commonly used. Khadira along

The

with yastimadhu, helps healing the wounds

authors/editors of all those articles, journals

and ulcers in vaginal and anal mucosa. In

and books from where the literature for this

anal fistula, the decoction of its bark skin and

article has been reviewed and discussed.

authors

are

grateful

to

the

Conflict of Interest:

dosa, the decoction of khadira and amalaki is

No conflict of interest in the present article.

used with bakuci powder, with great benefit.

Page

powder. In skin infections due to kapha

287

triphala is given with ghee and vidanga

Lakshmi.T et. al.

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