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Black Catechu
Acacia catechu
Leguminosae
Citations
Names : Cutch, Dark Catechu.
Habitat : India and Burma.
Collection :
Part Used :Extract from leaves and young shoots.
Constituents : o Tannins, catechin, phlobatannins including
catechutanninc acid
o Flavonoids including quercitin, quercetrin, fisetin
o Miscellaneous; gums and resins, pigments.
Actions : Astringent.
Indications : The powerful astringent may be used in chronic diarrhoea,
dysentery and chronic catarrh. Useful for arresting excessive mucous
discharges and checking haemorrhages, it is also recommended as a local
application for sore mouths and gums. Some research has shown Acacia
catachu to be hypotensive in vivo and in vitro; its mechanism of action
is thought to be bradykinin related and due to vasodilatation. In
practice, however, there are many effective hypotensives that do not
have the potential problem of constipation.
Kings Dispensatory describes it thus: Catechu possesses strong
astringent properties. It is used for arresting mucous discharges when
excessive, for removing relaxation or congestion of mucous membranes and
for checking haemorrhages. In chronic diarrhoea, chronic catarrh,
colliquative diarrhoea & chronic dysentery it has proved beneficial,
especially when combined with opium. As a local application, it is a
valuable agent for removing cynanche tonsillaris, aphthous ulcerations
of the mouth, elongation of the uvula and relaxation and congestion of
the mucous membrane of the fauces, especially of the kind to which
public singers are subject; it is also useful in congestion, tenderness
and sponginess of the gums, particularly when the result of mercurial
ptyalism. The tincture of Catechu is often beneficial in fissure of the
nipples, when applied twice a day with a fine hair pencil. An ointment
composed of 4 ounces of Catechu, 9 drachms of alum, 4 ounces of white
resin and 10 fluid ounces of olive oil, with a sufficient quantity of
water, is in great repute in India as an application to ulcers. Chronic
and phagedenic ulcers are frequently benefited by the application of
Catechu to them. Chronic gonorrhoea, old gleets and fluor albus, as well
as haemorrhage from the nose and other parts, have been cured by the
local application of an aqueous solution of Catechu. Powdered Catechu
may be given in a dose of from 5 to 20 grains, or more, repeated as
often as required; it may be administered in pill form, in syrup, or in
gum mucilage. The dose of the tincture is from 20 minims to 1/2 fluid
ounce.
Preparations & Dosage : An infusion may be made with 0.3 - 2 g of
the dried herb. The tincture is 1:5 in 45% alcohol at a dose of between
2.5-5 ml.
The herbalist by David Hoffman, (c)1993 David Hoffman, Hopkins
Technology
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