ACACIA CATECHU: A COMPREHENSIVE REVIEW OF ITS PHYTOCHEMISTRY, PHARMACOLOGY AND TRADITIONAL USES

The goal of this review is to have a thorough understanding of Acacia catechu’s general description and therapeutic applications. The Khair tree’s wood is used to make Catechu. For centuries, people all around the world have used this to heal a variety of illnesses. It is extremely important due to its therapeutic characteristics. The tree’s various parts have distinct biological and pharmacological effects, making them widely used in Asia and around the world. A. Catechu’s main phytochemical compounds include protocatechuic acid, taxifolin, epicatechin, epigallocatechin, catechin, epicatechin gallate, procyanidin, phloroglucin, aldobiuronic acid, gallic acid, D-galactose, afzelchin gum, L-arabinose, D-rhamnose, and quercetin. The entire plant of A. catechu has a wide range of medicinal properties, such as antimicrobial, antidiarrheal, antinociceptive, antihyperlipidemic, antiulcer, antioxidant, antidiabetic, antiproliferative, haemolytic and anti-inflammatory properties due to the presence of bioactive compounds such as flavonoids, alkaloids and tannins. The medication has been used in the treatment of infections, inflammation, pain management, skin diseases, and wounds. Recent studies have shown that this drug contains several phytochemicals with antimutagenic properties that act against cancerous cells. The drug has also been used to treat skin ulcers that do not heal. It also helps with several health-related problems that women face.