Kattha (Acacia catechu L.): A review of its phytochemical constituents and pharmacological activities

Abstract

Acacia catechu is known as Katha or khair. It has great importance due to its medicinal properties. Various parts of the tree have shown diverse biological and pharmacological activities, and have been widely used in Asia and different parts of the world. The bark of this plant is a powerful antioxidant, astringent, anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, and antifungal. It is used as a mouthwash for the mouth, gum, sore throat, gingivitis, and dental and oral infections. It is also helpful in numerous women-related problems. Keeping in view the medicinal importance of the tree in Unani Medicine (Tibb-e-Unani) and other traditional systems of medicine, an attempt has been made to review the available literature on therapeutic uses, phytochemical, and ethno-pharmacological properties of its different parts.