Lakshmi.T et. al. Online Available at www.thepharmaresearch.info
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.
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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]
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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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